U.S. patent application number 17/664627 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for windshield clean system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nicholas J. Singer. Invention is credited to Nicholas J. Singer.
Application Number | 20220274614 17/664627 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006348851 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220274614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Singer; Nicholas J. |
September 1, 2022 |
WINDSHIELD CLEAN SYSTEM
Abstract
A cleaning device for a surface, such as a windshield of a
vehicle, includes an active positioning system and a cleaning head.
The active positioning system is configured to deploy from a
storage position hidden from view within a covered storage space
and to position the cleaning head upon the windshield. The active
positioning system includes a first extension member and a second
extension member that move relative to one another to position the
cleaning head, and also move the cleaning head across the
windshield along a path. The cleaning head can have a brush portion
configured to agitate debris from the window, and a drying portion
configured to dry the window after cleaning. The cleaning device
can be controlled via a touch-screen display in the vehicle,
enabling a user to direct that specific portions of the windshield
be cleaned as desired.
Inventors: |
Singer; Nicholas J.;
(Irvine, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Singer; Nicholas J. |
Irvine |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006348851 |
Appl. No.: |
17/664627 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16702135 |
Dec 3, 2019 |
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17664627 |
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16394416 |
Apr 25, 2019 |
10538221 |
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16702135 |
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16009891 |
Jun 15, 2018 |
10293790 |
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16394416 |
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15921551 |
Mar 14, 2018 |
10029653 |
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16009891 |
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15782766 |
Oct 12, 2017 |
9963118 |
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15921551 |
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15433843 |
Feb 15, 2017 |
9815435 |
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15782766 |
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15199659 |
Jun 30, 2016 |
9707935 |
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15433843 |
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63363238 |
Apr 19, 2022 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60S 1/481 20130101;
B60S 2001/3831 20130101; B60K 5/00 20130101; B60S 1/3404 20130101;
B60S 1/522 20130101; B60K 2370/1438 20190501; B60S 1/3415 20130101;
B60W 30/162 20130101; G06F 3/0488 20130101; B60K 2370/172 20190501;
B60K 37/02 20130101; B60K 2370/115 20190501; B60S 1/528 20130101;
B60K 2370/15 20190501; B60S 1/3409 20130101; G06F 3/04817 20130101;
B60W 50/085 20130101; B60W 2540/215 20200201; B60S 2001/3834
20130101; B62D 63/04 20130101; B60K 37/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60W 50/08 20060101
B60W050/08; G06F 3/0488 20060101 G06F003/0488; B60K 37/06 20060101
B60K037/06; G06F 3/04817 20060101 G06F003/04817; B60K 37/02
20060101 B60K037/02; B60W 30/16 20060101 B60W030/16 |
Claims
1. A method of cleaning a window of an automobile, comprising:
opening a cover to expose a storage cavity defined in or on the
automobile; deploying a cleaning device from the storage cavity,
the cleaning device comprising an active positioning system
supporting a cleaning head; the active positioning system
comprising a first extension member supported by a base, a second
extension member supported by and movable relative to the first
extension member, and a head joint supported by the second
extension member and supporting the cleaning head; moving the first
extension member and second extension member relative to one
another so as to place the cleaning head against a surface of a
window at a start position; activating a motorized brush of the
cleaning head to agitate against the surface of the window; moving
the first extension member and second extension member relative to
one another so as to move the motorized brush from the start
position over the surface of the window along a first path while
the motorized brush is activated; moving the first extension member
and second extension member relative to one another so as to move
the cleaning head back to the start position, and moving the
cleaning head relative to the second extension member so as to
place a wiper blade of the cleaning head against the surface of the
window at the start position; and moving the first extension member
and second extension member relative to one another so as to move
the wiper blade from the start position over the surface of the
window along the first path while moving the cleaning head relative
to the second extension member so as to maintain the wiper blade at
a desired orientation relative to the first path.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the desired orientation of the
wiper blade is generally perpendicular to the first path.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second extension member
articulates relative to the first extension member.
4. The method of claim 3, additionally comprising rotating the
first extension member about its axis so as to press the cleaning
head against the window.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second extension member
telescopes relative to the first extension member so as to adjust
an overall length of the active positioning system.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the base is configured to rotate
about an axis generally perpendicular to an axis of the first
extension member.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
extension member and second extension member comprises telescoping
portions, and moving the telescoping portions to adjust a length of
the corresponding one of the first extension member and second
extension member.
8. The method of claim 1 additionally comprising an elongated
track, and comprising moving the base linearly along the track
while moving the first extension member relative to the second
extension member.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the track remains within the
storage cavity when the first extension member, second extension
member, and cleaning head are deployed out of the storage
cavity.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein opposing ends of the track are
mounted on structural members of the automobile.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the storage cavity is enclosed
within a casing defined by opposing end walls, a top wall, a bottom
wall, a back wall and the cover, and wherein opposing ends of the
track are mounted to the opposing end walls, and further wherein
the casing is removably attached to the automobile.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the track extends along
substantially an entire width of the window.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the track extends only about
halfway or less of a width of the window.
14. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising moving the first
extension member, second extension member, base and head joint
relative to one another so as to return the cleaning device to be
fully contained within the storage cavity, and closing the
cover.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the storage cavity is defined
below the hood of the automobile, and the cover sits flush with the
hood when the cover is closed.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein a cover hinge is disposed on a
side of the cover opposite the windshield, and wherein opening the
cover comprises rotating the cover about the cover hinge no more
than about 75 degrees.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the window is a windshield of
the automobile, and comprising a camera within the automobile
capturing an image of the windshield showing debris on the
windshield, displaying the image on a touch-screen display within
the automobile cabin, a computer mapping locations on the
touch-screen display to locations on a windshield of the
automobile, receiving a selected location input via the
touch-screen display and correlating the selected location input to
a selected windshield location, and defining the start point spaced
from the selected windshield location but with the selected
windshield location disposed within the first path.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Ser. No.
63/363,238, filed on 2022 Apr. 19 and is a continuation in part
application of U.S. Ser. No. 16/702,135, filed on 2019 Dec. 3 which
is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
16/394,416, filed on 2019 Apr. 25, now U.S. patent Ser. No.
10/538,221, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/009,891, filed on 2018 Jun. 15, now U.S.
patent Ser. No. 10/293,790, which is a continuation in part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/921,551, filed on 2018 Mar. 14, now
U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/029,653, which is a continuation in part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/782,766, filed on 2017 Oct. 12,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,963,118, which is a continuation in part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/433,843, filed on 2017 Feb. 15,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,815,435, which is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/199,659, filed on 2016 Jun. 30,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,707,935, the entire contents of which are all
expressly incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] The various embodiments and features described herein relate
to a windshield clean system of an automobile which includes at
least passenger vehicles, trucks, busses, recreational vehicles and
motor homes. It also includes a method and an apparatus that is
affixed to a motor vehicle for washing the front windshield of a
large motor vehicle such as a bus or recreational vehicle (RV).
[0004] Vehicles with large windshields, such as most new electric
automobiles, busses and RV's have windshield wipers to clear enough
of the windshield for drivers to operate the vehicles. But such
large windshields have substantial areas not cleared by
conventional windshield wipers that rotate about fixed pivots.
Because passengers look out the front windshield, any dirt on the
windshield that obscures viewing is undesirable. There is thus a
need for an improved method and apparatus to clean more of the area
of large windshields than occurs with conventional rotating
windshield wipers.
[0005] Because large windshields on such vehicles as most new
electric automobiles, busses and RV's are more vertical than other
motor vehicles, the insects and debris that hit the windshield
impact with greater force and that can sometimes make the residual
debris stick to the windshield with greater force than if the
windshield were inclined. Also, if the residual debris dries the
debris may be difficult to remove using the windshield wipers and
washer fluid provided with conventional motor vehicles. Moreover,
the windshield wipers provide a wiping action by a rubber blade
which is not an efficient cleaning device for hardened-on debris.
Further, any debris located outside the area reached by the
windshield wipers will remain and obstruct viewing through the
windshield. There is thus a need for an improved method and
apparatus to clean large windshields.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] Multiple embodiments of a windshield clean system for a
surface with further embodiments of cleaning systems also
disclosed.
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment, a method of cleaning a
window of an automobile is provided. The method includes opening a
cover to expose a storage cavity defined in or on the automobile
and deploying a cleaning device from the storage cavity. The
cleaning device can comprise an active positioning system
supporting a cleaning head. The active positioning system can
comprise a first extension member supported by a base, a second
extension member supported by and movable relative to the first
extension member, and a head joint supported by the second
extension member and supporting the cleaning head. The method
further includes moving the first extension member and second
extension member relative to one another so as to place the
cleaning head against a surface of a window at a start position,
activating a motorized brush of the cleaning head to agitate
against the surface of the window, moving the first extension
member and second extension member relative to one another so as to
move the motorized brush from the start position over the surface
of the window along a first path while the motorized brush is
activated, moving the first extension member and second extension
member relative to one another so as to move the cleaning head back
to the start position, and moving the cleaning head relative to the
second extension member so as to place a wiper blade of the
cleaning head against the surface of the window at the start
position, and further includes moving the first extension member
and second extension member relative to one another so as to move
the wiper blade from the start position over the surface of the
window along the first path while moving the cleaning head relative
to the second extension member so as to maintain the wiper blade at
a desired orientation relative to the first path.
[0008] The desired orientation of the wiper blade can be generally
perpendicular to the first path.
[0009] The second extension member can articulate relative to the
first extension member, and can additionally comprise rotating the
first extension member about its axis so as to press the cleaning
head against the window.
[0010] The second extension member can be configured to telescope
relative to the first extension member so as to adjust an overall
length of the active positioning system. The base can be configured
to rotate about an axis generally perpendicular to an axis of the
first extension member.
[0011] At least one of the first extension member and second
extension member can comprise telescoping portions, and the method
can further include moving the telescoping portions to adjust a
length of the corresponding one of the first extension member and
second extension member.
[0012] The method can also include moving the base linearly along
an elongated track while moving the first extension member relative
to the second extension member. In some variations the track can
remain within the storage cavity when the first extension member,
second extension member, and cleaning head are deployed out of the
storage cavity. Also, opposing ends of the track can be mounted on
structural members of the automobile. The track can extend along
substantially an entire width of the window, or can extend only
about halfway or less of a width of the window.
[0013] In further variations, the storage cavity can be enclosed
within a casing defined by opposing end walls, a top wall, a bottom
wall, a back wall and the cover, and opposing ends of the track can
be mounted to the opposing end walls. The casing can be removably
attached to the automobile.
[0014] The method can additionally comprise moving the first
extension member, second extension member, base and head joint
relative to one another so as to return the cleaning device to be
fully contained within the storage cavity, and closing the cover.
In some variations, the storage cavity can be defined below the
hood of the automobile, and the cover can sit flush with the hood
when the cover is closed. The cover hinge can be disposed on a side
of the cover opposite the windshield, and opening the cover can
comprise rotating the cover about the cover hinge no more than
about 75 degrees.
[0015] The window can be a windshield of the automobile. The method
can include a camera within the automobile capturing an image of
the windshield showing debris on the windshield, displaying the
image on a touch-screen display within the automobile cabin, a
computer mapping locations on the touch-screen display to locations
on a windshield of the automobile, receiving a selected location
input via the touch-screen display and correlating the selected
location input to a selected windshield location. The method can
further include defining the start point spaced from the selected
windshield location but with the selected windshield location
disposed within the first path.
[0016] An automobile having a windshield cleaning system is
disclosed. The automobile may comprise a plurality of wheels; an
engine connected to the plurality of wheels for propelling the
automobile forward; a steering wheel connected to at least one of
the at least two wheels for guiding a direction of the automobile;
a windshield for protecting a driver of the automobile from
projectiles; and the windshield cleaning system.
[0017] In another embodiment, the windshield cleaning system has a
cleaning head that can reach the entire surface area of the
surface, such as a windshield, to clean the entire surface or may
be operated to spot clean a localized area of the surface, as
needed. The cleaning head of the cleaning system may be operated
with two extension members rotatable about articulating joints or a
gantry system wherein a horizontal member rides within tracks up
and down the windshield and the cleaning head moves left and right
on the horizontal member.
[0018] Such a windshield cleaning system may be positioned outside
of the automobile below the windshield. The windshield cleaning
system may have a cleaning head for washing dirt off of the
windshield. The head may be connected to the automobile with first
and second extension members connected to each other with an
articulating joint so that the head may be positioned at a location
within a primary field of view of the windshield. The first
extension member may be connected to the head. The second extension
member may be pivotally connected to the first extension member.
The second extension member may be pivotally connected to the
automobile.
[0019] The head of the windshield cleaning system may have a
brush.
[0020] The head of the windshield cleaning system may have a
vibration unit for vibrating the head while cleaning dirt off-of
the windshield.
[0021] The head or the first extension member of the windshield
cleaning system may have a spray nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid
on the windshield.
[0022] The windshield cleaning system of the automobile may further
have a computer mounted to the automobile for controlling the
head.
[0023] The windshield cleaning system of the automobile may further
have a motor for controlling the first and second extension members
and the position of the head on the windshield.
[0024] The windshield cleaning system of the automobile may further
comprise a tube for routing cleaning fluid toward the cleaning head
and being fluidically connected to a spray nozzle disposed on or
adjacent to the cleaning head.
[0025] The automobile may further comprise a touch screen
displaying a visual depiction of the windshield and the touch
screen being connected to a computer which controls positioning of
the head.
[0026] In another aspect, a method of cleaning a dirty spot on a
surface, such as a windshield of an automobile, is disclosed. The
method may comprise the steps of receiving a location to be cleaned
from a touch screen; activating a motor to traverse a cleaning head
to a corresponding location on the surface and traverse back and
forth over the corresponding location on the surface; and
activating a pump to spray cleaning fluid out of a spray nozzle
onto the corresponding location on the surface;
[0027] The method may further comprise the step of activating a
vibration unit attached to the cleaning head.
[0028] The method may further comprise the step of rotating brushes
of the cleaning head to clean the corresponding location on the
windshield of the automobile.
[0029] A cleaning device is provided for a motor vehicle with
tracks above and below the vehicle's windshield. A brush, wiper
blade and spray bar extend across the windshield at a starting side
of the windshield. The spray bar provides washer fluid to the brush
as it rotates against the windshield. The spray bar, brush and
wiper bar move along the tracks across the windshield to an
opposing, return side of the windshield where the wiper blade first
contacts the windshield and the brush stops rotating and moves away
from the windshield. The spray bar rotates next to the wiper blade
to blow air against the windshield. The wiper blade scrapes water
while air blows water off the windshield as they move back to the
starting side of the windshield where they move into a frame along
the starting side of the windshield and are covered when not in
use.
[0030] A cleaning system is provided that is retained in a frame
that encircles the outer periphery of a motor vehicle's windshield
and that houses and guides a cleaning mechanism as it moves across
the windshield from side to side so as to clean a larger portion of
the windshield than rotating wipers. The frame has a generally
horizontal top and bottom, joined by generally vertical start and
return sides, with a staring door and return door on the respective
start and return sides. The cleaning system has a rotatable brush,
a wiper blade and a spray bar (with spray nozzles along its length)
are contained in the starting side frame so those parts can extend
between the top and bottom of the windshield as they move from a
starting side of the windshield to the opposing, return side of the
windshield. The brush, wiper blade and spray bar may be concealed
in the starting side frame by the starting door when not in use. A
lower track within the bottom frame extends along the bottom of the
windshield with an upper track, within the top frame, extending
along the top portion of the windshield. The tracks are generally
horizontal but may bow or curve with the curvature of the
windshield. The brush and wiper blade extend between upper and
lower carriers that are connected to and move along the upper and
lower tracks, respectively, with the carriers preferably covered by
the starting door when the system is not in use.
[0031] A first drive mechanism moves the brush, wiper blade and
spray bar on the tracks across the windshield and back, from the
starting side to the return side and back to the starting side. A
second drive mechanism rotates the brush as it moves across the
windshield from the starting side to the return side to clean
debris from the windshield, with the brush preferably not rotating
as it moves from the return side to the starting side. The spray
bar has a first fluid channel in fluid communication with a pump
and a washer fluid reservoir and has a second fluid channel in
fluid communication with an air reservoir and an air compressor.
When the storage door opens, the spray bar rotates to a position
near the brush and windshield and between the brush and the return
side, with the pump actuated to spray water through the first fluid
channel and first spray nozzles onto the windshield as the brush is
rotated and moved from the storage side to the return side.
[0032] As the spray bar reaches the return side and the return door
a rotating mechanism rotates the spray bar about half a rotation so
it is adjacent the windshield near the wiper blade and between the
wiper blade and the starting side. During that rotation the flow of
washer fluid through the first channel and first spray nozzles
stops, and flow of air through the second flow channel and second
spray nozzles begins, with the spray bar spraying air against the
washed surface adjacent the wiper blade and preferably forming one
or two blades of air directing the wash fluid toward the top and/or
bottom of the windshield. As the spray bar rotates from the return
side to the starting side of the brush and the flow of washer fluid
stops, the rotation of the brush continues so that centrifugal
force throws water off the brush. Also, as the spray bar rotates
from the return side to the starting side of the brush, a rotating
mechanism rotates the brush out of contact with the windshield and
rotates the wiper blade into contact with the windshield.
[0033] As the first drive mechanism moves the cleaning mechanism
from the return side to the starting side, the air from the second
channel of the spray bar blows water and debris off the windshield
and the wiper blade acts like a squeegee to wipe water from the
windshield. When the spray bar reaches the starting side and the
starting frame, it rotates to a generally vertical storage position
as the wiper blade and brush enter the left side of the frame and
the flow of air through the second channel is shut off. When the
brush is within the starting side frame, the starting side door and
return side doors close.
[0034] In more detail a cleaning apparatus is provided for a motor
vehicle windshield having a starting side and opposing return side,
a top and bottom side. The cleaning apparatus may include a
rotatable brush, a wiper blade and a spray bar each extending
between the top and bottom sides of the windshield. The spray bar
has first and second fluid channels each of which has respective
first and second spray nozzles extending along a length of the
respective first and second fluid channels. The spray bar has first
and second use positions and a storage position. The first use
position has the first spray nozzles adjacent the windshield and
located between the brush and the return side. The second use
position has the second spray nozzles adjacent the windshield and
located between the wiper blade and the starting side. The
apparatus may also include a fluid pump in fluid communication with
the first fluid channel and a container of washer fluid to pump
washer fluid through the first fluid channel and first spray
nozzles at a first pressure. An air compressor may be in fluid
communication with the second fluid channel and second spray
nozzles and an air storage container to provide air to the second
fluid channel and second spray nozzles at a second pressure. The
apparatus may have a bottom track extending along the bottom of the
windshield and a top track extending along a top of the windshield,
with a bottom carrier moving along the bottom track and connected
to the brush, wiper blade and spray bar and a top carrier moving
along the top track and connected to the brush, wiper blade and
spray bar. A drive mechanism may be connected to at least one of
the top and bottom carriers to move the at least one of the top and
bottom carriers across the windshield and back.
[0035] In further variations, the cleaning apparatus may further
include a frame encircling the windshield, including such
components such as a top frame containing the top track and a
bottom frame containing the top track. A starting frame may be
placed along the starting side of the windshield, with the starting
frame extending between the top and bottom frames and containing
the wiper blade, spray bar, brush and associated carrier or
carriers when they not in use. A return frame may be placed
opposite the starting frame and advantageously extends between the
top and bottom frames at the return side of the windshield.
Advantageously, a starting door releasably covers the starting
frame, wiper blade, spray bar and brush and a return door
releasably covers the return frame.
[0036] There is also provided a method of cleaning the outer
surface of a motor vehicle windshield having a starting side and
opposing return side. The method comprises the steps rotating a
spray bar to a first position between a brush and the return side
of the windshield and adjacent the windshield. The brush and spray
bar each extend from a top to a bottom of the windshield. The spray
bar has first and second fluid channels with a plurality of first
spray nozzles in fluid communication with the first fluid channel
and a plurality of second spray nozzles in fluid communication with
the second flow channel. The method may include rotating the brush
while it is in contact with the outer surface of the windshield to
clean the windshield while flowing a washing fluid through the
first channel and first plurality of spray nozzles at a pressure
sufficient to spray the washing fluid through the plurality of
first spray nozzles to the windshield at a location between the
rotating brush and the return side of the windshield. The method
advantageously moves that rotating brush and spray bar from the
start side to the finish side of the windshield while maintaining
the rotating brush in contact with the outer surface of the
windshield to clean the windshield. The method may further move a
wiper blade from the start side to the finish side of the
windshield while the wiper blade extends between the top and bottom
of the windshield but is not in contact with the windshield. The
method advantageously stops the flow of washing fluid through the
first channel and first plurality of spray nozzles when the spray
bar is at the return side of the windshield. The method may include
rotating the spray bay to a second position with the second
plurality of spray nozzles adjacent the windshield and between the
start side of the windshield and the wiper blade. The wiper is
placed in contact with the windshield, rotation of the brush is
stopped and air is flowed through the second channel and second
plurality of spray nozzles at a pressure sufficient to deflect
water away from the wiper blade. The method advantageously moves
the wiper blade, spray bar and brush from the return side to the
starting side with the wiper blade in contact with the windshield
and the brush not in contact with the windshield.
[0037] In further variations, the method may include placing the
covering the wiper blade, brush and spray bar in a starting side
frame extending along the starting side of the windshield and
placing a removable cover over that starting side frame. The flow
of washing fluid may be stopped before the spray bar is rotated to
the second position Likewise, the rotation of the brush may stop
before the spray bar is rotated to the second position, or after.
The flow of washing fluid through the first channel is
advantageously at a pressure sufficient to create a spray through
the first plurality of spray nozzles. The flow of air through the
second channel may be provided by air from a storage container, by
air from a compressor, or both. The step of moving the rotating
brush and spray bar from the start side to the finish side of the
windshield may comprise connecting a first end of the brush and
wiper blade to a carrier block connected to a track extending along
one of the top or bottom of the windshield and moving the carrier
block along that track.
[0038] There is also provided an apparatus for cleaning windshields
of a motor vehicle where the windshield has an opposing top and
bottom joined by an opposing starting side opposite a return side.
The apparatus is enclosed in a frame that is advantageously a
generally rectangular frame configured to fit around the outside of
the motor vehicle windshield. The frame may have opposing top and
bottom frames, and a starting side frame opposite a return side
frame. Each frame has opposing sides joined to a bottom. The
starting side frame advantageously has a cover which may be opened
and closed. The apparatus advantageously has a top track inside and
connected to the top frame and extending across at least a
substantial length of the top of the windshield. A top carrier is
connected to and movable along that top track. Likewise, a bottom
track is inside and connected to the bottom frame and extends
across at least a substantial length of a bottom of the windshield.
A bottom carrier is connected to and movable along that bottom
track. A rotatable brush has opposing top and bottom ends with the
top brush end connected to the top carrier and the bottom brush end
connected to the bottom carrier. A wiper blade has opposing top and
bottom ends with the top blade end connected to the top carrier and
the bottom blade end connected to the bottom carrier. A spray bar
has opposing top and bottom spray bar ends with the top spray bar
end rotatably connected to the top carrier and the bottom spray bar
end rotatably connected to the bottom carrier. The spray bar
preferably has a first fluid channel in fluid communication with a
first plurality of spray nozzles extending along a first side of
the spray bar and a second plurality of spray nozzles in fluid
communication with a second plurality of spray nozzles extending
along a second side of the spray bar and orientated in a direction
substantially opposite the first plurality of spray nozzles. The
top and bottom carriers, rotatable brush, wiper blade and spray bar
fit within the starting side frame when the starting side frame
cover is closed to enclose the top and bottom carriers, rotatable
brush, wiper blade and spray bar.
[0039] In further variations, the cleaning apparatus may further
include a pump in fluid communication with the first fluid channel
of the spray bar and a source of washer fluid. The apparatus also
advantageously includes at least one of a compressor or an air
storage container in fluid communication with the second fluid
channel of the spray bar. The top and bottom tracks are
advantageously slightly curved so the opposing ends of the top and
bottom tracks are offset from a middle of the respective track to
conform to a curvature of the adjacent portion of the windshield.
Advantageously, the spray bar is configured to rotate between a
first and second position where the first position has the first
plurality of spray nozzles adjacent the windshield and located
between the brush and the return side of the windshield, and where
the second position has the second plurality of spray nozzles
adjacent the windshield and located between the wiper blade and the
starting side of the windshield.
[0040] In further variations, the cleaning apparatus could include
a cleaning tool housing that is sized and disposed to house a set
or subset of cleaning tools, such as a rotatable brush, wiper
blade, spray bar, and splashguard, within the housing. Each of the
cleaning tools preferably have a length that extends between two
opposing sides of the surface, such as the top and bottom of the
surface. The length of each cleaning tool preferably extends across
a majority of the surface, for example 80%, 90% or even more than
99% of the surface length. An engagement drive mechanism could be
configured to mechanically move the rotatable brush, wiper blade,
and spray bar from a disengaged position within the housing to an
engaged position outside the housing. A closing drive mechanism
could be configured to mechanically open and close a door that
covers a portion of a cavity of the housing. A movement drive
mechanism could be configured to mechanically move the rotatable
brush, wiper blade, and spray bar across the surface to clean the
surface. A brushing drive mechanism could be configured to
mechanically rotate the rotatable brush as the rotatable brush is
moved from one side to another side of the surface. Preferably, the
brushing drive mechanism mechanically rotates the rotatable brush
in opposing directions.
[0041] Generally, each of the set of cleaning tools are moved from
a disengaged position within the housing to an engaged position
outside the housing, and are preferably moved as a single unit, to
ready the cleaning tool for use. From the engaged position, the
cleaning tool could then be activated to perform a cleaning step.
For example the spray bar could spray a liquid at the surface to
moisten the surface, the rotatable brush could rotate against the
surface to scrub the surface, a tip of the wiper blade could abut
the surface to dry the surface, and the spray bar could spray air
at the surface to dry the surface. Generally, the spray bar first
sprays a liquid, such as washer fluid, at the surface and the
rotatable brush rotates against the surface as the movement drive
moves the rotatable brush and spray bar across the surface to scrub
the surface, and then a tip of the wiper blade touches the surface
as the movement drive moves the rotatable brush and spray bar
across the surface to dry the surface.
[0042] In some embodiments, scrubbing could occur in one pass along
the surface, while drying occurs on an opposing pass along the
surface, although multiple scrubbing passes and/or multiple drying
passes could occur. Preferably, the rotatable brush is moved
towards the surface and is rotated against the surface for
scrubbing the surface, and is moved away from the surface and is
not rotating for drying the surface. A splashguard could optionally
be disposed on a side opposite the surface relative to a spraying
nozzle of the spray bar, and is preferably disposed to ricochet
liquid towards the surface. The spray bar could optionally be
configured to spray both liquid and air at the surface to both
moisten and dry the surface. In embodiments where the housing has a
door, the door could be opened before the cleaning tools are moved
from the disengaged position to the engaged position, and closed
after the cleaning tools are moved from the engaged position to the
disengaged position.
[0043] In some embodiments, each of a set of cleaning tools are
coupled to discrete arms of the movement drive mechanism such that
the movement drive mechanism can move the rotatable brush, wiper
blade, and spray bar independently from one another, although in
preferred embodiments at least one set of cleaning tools is mounted
to a single cleaning tool arm to simplify the complexity of the
movement drive mechanism. In some embodiments, a single housing
could house a plurality of cleaning tool arms simultaneously, each
of which is configured to clean discrete portions of a surface.
[0044] In some embodiments, the wiper blade is coupled to a side of
the spray bar-- preferably on a side of the spray bar opposing a
set of spraying nozzles of the spray bar. In such embodiments, a
transitioning drive mechanism could be configured to rotate the
spray bar from a spraying position to a wiping position, where the
spraying position disposes a nozzle of the spray bar closer to the
surface than the wiper blade, and where the wiping position
disposes the wiper blade closer to the surface than the nozzle of
the spray bar. The transitioning drive mechanism could rotate the
spray bar from one side to an opposing side of the opposable brush
to transition the spray bar between the spraying position and the
wiping position. Preferably, the transitioning system disposes the
spray bar in the spraying position as the movement drive mechanism
moves the spray bar in one direction, and disposes the spray bar in
the wiping position as the movement drive mechanism moves the spray
bar in an opposing direction.
[0045] The tip of the wiper blade could be configured to touch the
surface of the windshield at any suitable angle, for example
perpendicular to the surface, acute to the surface, or obtuse to
the surface. In embodiments where the wiper blade is coupled to a
side of the spray bar, the wiper blade could be configured to
attach to the spray bar at a variety of angles, or a plurality of
interchangeably attachable wiper blades could be provided, having
different angled tips could be provided for ease of
customization.
[0046] Any suitable surface is contemplated, such as a motor
vehicle windshield, a building window, or a table surface. The
cleaning tool housing is preferably coupled to a side of the
surface to be cleaned for ease of repeated deployment. In some
embodiments, the major length of the cleaning tool could be
oriented along a first axis when placed in the disengaged position
within the housing, and oriented along a second axis different from
the first axis (e.g. at a 45-degree offset or at a substantially
perpendicular offset) when placed in the engaged position outside
the housing. In this manner, the housing could be placed on any
side of a substantially rectangular surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent in light of the following discussion and
drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and
in which:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automobile having a
windshield cleaning system depicting a first embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 2 is a schematic view the windshield cleaning system of
the first and a second embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a display of the windshield
cleaning system
[0051] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the first embodiment of the
windshield cleaning system in a deployed configuration;
[0052] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the first embodiment of the
windshield cleaning system in the deployed configuration with a
cleaning head in a different position compared to that shown in
FIG. 4;
[0053] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the first embodiment of the
windshield cleaning system in the deployed configuration with the
cleaning head in a different position compared to that shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5;
[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a bug flying toward a windshield of an
automobile;
[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates the bug leaving a residue on the
windshield after contacting the windshield;
[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates the cleaning head of the first embodiment
of the windshield cleaning system positioned over the residue shown
in FIG. 8;
[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates cleaning fluid being sprayed on the
residue via a spray nozzle mounted to the cleaning head;
[0058] FIG. 11 illustrates the cleaning head cleaning the residue
off of the windshield;
[0059] FIG. 12 illustrates the cleaning head wiping the residue off
of the windshield;
[0060] FIG. 13 illustrates the second embodiment of the windshield
cleaning system;
[0061] FIG. 14 illustrates the cleaning head of the second
embodiment of the windshield touch and clean system as shown in
FIG. 13;
[0062] FIG. 15 is an illustration of the display with icons for the
windshield cleaning system;
[0063] FIG. 16 is an illustration of the display with controls for
a cruise control feature;
[0064] FIG. 17 is an illustration of the display with additional
controls for the cruise control feature;
[0065] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a carrier, brush and spray
bar of a cleaning apparatus placed on a windshield with a washing
position shown in solid lines and a drying position sown in broken
lines;
[0066] FIG. 19A is a top view of a frame enclosing an improved
cleaning apparatus;
[0067] FIG. 19B is a bottom view of the frame of FIG. 19A;
[0068] FIG. 19C is a left-side view of the frame of FIG. 19A;
[0069] FIG. 20 is a left-side perspective view of a motor vehicle
having the frame of FIG. 19A encircling the vehicle's
windshield.
[0070] FIG. 21 is right-side perspective view of the windshield of
FIG. 20 with covers on the side frames in an open position;
[0071] FIG. 22 is a right-side perspective view of windshield of
FIG. 21 with the top and bottom frame covers removed, the wiper
blade not contacting the windshield, a rotatable brush contacting
the windshield, a spray bar adjacent the brush and ready to start
cleaning the windshield;
[0072] FIG. 23 is a right-side perspective view of windshield of
FIG. 21 with the top and bottom frame covers removed, the wiper
blade not contacting the windshield, a rotating brush and a spray
bar spraying water by the brush as the cleaning apparatus moves
away from the starting side of the frame and windshield toward a
return side of the frame and windshield;
[0073] FIG. 24 is a right-side perspective view of windshield of
FIG. 23 with the top and bottom frame covers removed, the rotating
brush and spray bar approaching the return side of the frame and
windshield;
[0074] FIG. 25 is a right-side perspective view of windshield of
FIG. 21 with the top and bottom frame covers removed and with the
spray bar over the return side cover of the frame and with the
rotating brush at the return side of the windshield;
[0075] FIG. 26 is a right-side perspective view of windshield of
FIG. 25, with the brush no longer rotating;
[0076] FIG. 27 is a right-side perspective view of windshield of
FIG. 21 with the top and bottom frame covers removed, the brush not
rotating and not contacting the windshield, and the spray bar
adjacent the wiper blade to blow air onto the windshield by the
wiper blade which is against the windshield, and ready to move from
the return side of the windshield and return side frame toward the
starting side of the windshield and starting side frame;
[0077] FIG. 28 is a right-side perspective view of windshield of
FIG. 21 with the top and bottom frame covers removed, the brush not
rotating and not contacting the windshield, the spray bar adjacent
the wiper blade to blow air onto the windshield with the wiper
blade which is against the windshield and ready to move from the
return side of the windshield and return side frame toward the
starting side of the windshield and starting side frame;
[0078] FIG. 29 is a left-side perspective view of windshield of
FIG. 21 with the top and bottom frame covers removed and the
windshield now cleaned by the apparatus of FIG. 28, the brush is
not rotating, no air or washer fluid is flowing and the apparatus
is and ready for storage;
[0079] FIG. 30 is a left-side perspective view of the windshield of
FIG. 20 after cleaning as in FIGS. 21-29, with the cleaning
apparatus stored in the starting side frame and the starting side
frame cover closed; and
[0080] FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along sections 14-14 of
FIG. 30, showing the cleaning apparatus in a stored position in the
starting side frame with the cover in a closed position.
[0081] FIG. 32 is a right-side perspective of a windshield having a
cleaning apparatus enclosed within a housing.
[0082] FIG. 33 is a right-side perspective of windshield of FIG. 32
where the cleaning apparatus is moving from a disengaged position
to an engaged position.
[0083] FIG. 34 is a right-side perspective of windshield of FIG. 32
where the cleaning apparatus is in an engaged position to clean the
windshield.
[0084] FIG. 35 is a right-side perspective of windshield of FIG. 32
having a translucent splash shield.
[0085] FIG. 36 is a zoomed-in view of one of the cleaning tool arms
of FIG. 35.
[0086] FIG. 37 is right side perspective of windshield of FIG. 35
with the brushes rotating, the spray bar spraying liquid, and the
arm drive mechanisms moving the cleaning tool arms across the
surface of the windshield.
[0087] FIG. 38A is a zoomed in view of one of the cleaning tool
arms of FIG. 35, with the brush and the spray bar in use and the
wiper blade not in use.
[0088] FIG. 38B is a zoomed in view of the cleaning tool arm of
FIG. 38A, with the wiper blade in use and the brush and the spray
bar not in use.
[0089] FIG. 39 is a left side perspective view of windshield of
FIG. 35 with the wiper blade contacting the windshield and the arm
drive mechanisms moving the cleaning tool arms across the surface
of the windshield.
[0090] FIG. 40A is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool arm in
a scrubbing position.
[0091] FIG. 40B is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning tool arm
of FIG. 40A in a wiping position.
[0092] FIG. 40C is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool arm
with an alternative wiper blade.
[0093] FIG. 40D is a cross-sectional view of another cleaning tool
arm with yet another alternative wiper blade.
[0094] FIG. 41 is a front-side perspective view of a motor vehicle
having an alternative windshield cleaning system that is held
within a closed storage cavity when not deployed.
[0095] FIG. 42 shows the configuration of FIG. 41 with a cover of
the windshield cleaning system open.
[0096] FIG. 43 shows the configuration of FIG. 41 partially cut
away and during a cleaning cycle.
[0097] FIG. 44 shows the configuration of FIG. 41 during a drying
cycle.
[0098] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a brush side of a cleaning
head of the windshield cleaner of FIG. 41.
[0099] FIG. 46 is a perspective view a drying side of the cleaning
head of the windshield cleaner of FIG. 41.
[0100] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle upon which
a self-contained windshield cleaning system can be mounted.
[0101] FIG. 48 shows the motor vehicle of FIG. 47 with the
self-contained windshield cleaning system installed and deployed
during operation.
[0102] FIG. 49 is a side view of a cleaning head for use with the
windshield cleaning system of FIG. 48.
[0103] FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 50-50 of
FIG. 49.
[0104] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of another motor vehicle
having an alternative windshield cleaning system, shown during a
cleaning cycle.
[0105] FIG. 52 is a top, cutaway view of the configuration of FIG.
51, schematically showing structure of the windshield cleaning
system.
[0106] FIG. 53 shows an example dashboard of the motor vehicle of
FIG. 51, having a display configured to enable control of the
windshield cleaning system.
[0107] FIG. 54 is a close-up view of the display of FIG. 53 during
use during a spot-clean operation.
[0108] FIG. 55 shows the motor vehicle and windshield cleaning
system of FIG. 52 during a spot-clean operation.
[0109] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of another motor vehicle
having an alternative windshield cleaning system, shown during a
cleaning cycle.
[0110] FIG. 57 is a top, cutaway view of the configuration of FIG.
56, schematically showing structure of the windshield cleaning
system in a storage position.
[0111] FIG. 58 is a top, cutaway view of the configuration of FIG.
56, schematically showing structure of the windshield cleaning
system in an operating position.
[0112] FIG. 59 is a perspective view of another motor vehicle
having an alternative windshield cleaning system, shown during a
cleaning cycle.
[0113] FIG. 60 is a top, cutaway view of the configuration of FIG.
56, schematically showing structure of the windshield cleaning
system in an operating position.
[0114] FIG. 61 is a top, cutaway view of the configuration of FIG.
56, schematically showing structure of the windshield cleaning
system in another operating position.
[0115] FIG. 62 is a schematic view of a cleaning head of the
windshield cleaning system of FIG. 59.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0116] Referring now to the drawings, a windshield cleaning system
10 for spot cleaning a windshield 12 of an automobile 30 is shown.
The windshield cleaning system 10 includes a cleaning head 14 that
can be traversed to any location on the windshield 12 by way of
extension members 16, 18 that are pivotally attached to each other
by articulating joints 20, 22. The cleaning head 14 may be
controlled by a computer 24 which receives user input by way of a
display 26 located in a passenger cabin of the automobile 30. A
driver may touch the display 26 about where the windshield 12 is
dirty. The computer 24 receives information from the display 26
which controls a motor 32 to actuate the cleaning head 14 to the
location indicated by the driver on the display. A pump 34 sprays
cleaning fluid on the dirt to help break down the dirt so that the
dirt can be removed from the windshield 12. The motor 32 moves the
cleaning head 14 over the dirt and an optional vibration unit 36
can further be activated to help remove the dirt from the
windshield 12.
[0117] Referring now to the drawings, the automobile 30 may have
the windshield cleaning system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-11 or the
windshield cleaning system 10 a shown in FIGS. 12-13 or
combinations thereof implemented in the automobile 30 as shown in
the figures. The automobile 30 shown in the figures is that of a
pickup truck. However, other automobiles including but not limited
to sedans, sports cars, large-format trucks, etc. may incorporate
the windshield cleaning systems 10, 10 a described therein.
[0118] The windshield cleaning system 10 is hidden under a hood 38
of the automobile when the windshield cleaning system 10 is not in
use, as shown in FIG. 1. The windshield cleaning system 10 includes
the cleaning head 14, extension members 16, 18, motor 32 which
drives the extension members 16, 18, the pump 34, the computer 24
and the display 26.
[0119] To deploy the window washing system 10, the user may
activate the system from the display 26 shown in FIG. 3. The
display 26 may be mounted to a dashboard 40 within a cabin 28 of
the automobile 30. However, it is also contemplated that the
display 26 may be mounted to other areas of the passenger cabin
such as the center console or driver-side armrest. The display 26
may be located centrally on the dashboard 40 so that the user or
driver can easily access and manipulate the display 26. The display
26 may be a touch sensitive screen as shown in FIG. 3 but may also
be a mouse driven display. If the display 26 is a mouse driven
display, then the automobile 30 may have a joystick located on the
dashboard, center console or other area that the driver can
manipulate so that a cursor on the display 26 may be traversed to a
proper location. An icon displayed on the display 26, may be
selected by depressing a button on the joystick or other area near
the joystick. A spot on the display 26 depicting the windshield 12
may also be selected by traversing the cursor shown on the display
26 with the joystick and depressing the button. Nevertheless, the
preferred embodiments show the display 26 as a touch sensitive
screen. The user can touch the screen with his or her finger 42 in
order to select the icon displayed on the display 26.
[0120] The display 26 illustrates the front windshield 12 of the
automobile 30. Moreover, the display 26 also shows an option for a
full wash 43. By depressing an area on the display 26 illustrated
by the windshield 12 with the finger 42, the windshield cleaning
system 10 may be deployed and clean only a spot area or localized
area on the windshield 12 as indicated by the area depressed by the
finger 42 of the driver or user. Alternatively, if a full wash of
the windshield 12 is desired, then the user may depress the full
wash icon 43 on the display 26. Depending on whether the user
depresses a localized area on the display 26 depicting the
windshield 12 or the full wash icon 43, the windshield cleaning
system 10 may be deployed to wash the localized area or the entire
viewing area of the front windshield.
[0121] If the driver depresses the full wash option 43 on the
display 26, the windshield cleaning system 10 begins to deploy as
shown in FIG. 4. The extension members 16, 18 are raised out from
under the hood 38. The extension members 16, 18 are connected to
each other by way of an articulating joint 20 as shown in FIG. 5.
The extension member 18 is attached to the automobile 30 by way of
a base member 44. The base member a can also be traversed out from
under the hood 38 as shown in FIG. 1 or traversed toward the
windshield 12 as shown in FIG. 5. When the windshield cleaning
system 10 is tucked under the hood 38, the base member 44 is
retracted under the hood 38. Also, the articulating joint 20 allows
the extension members 16, 18 to be folded or made parallel with
respect to each other. The extension members 16, 18 are then placed
laterally and tucked under the hood 38 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0122] The articulating joints 20, 22 control movement of the
extension member 18 with respect to the base member 44, and the
extension member 16 with respect to the extension member 18. By
having two extension members 16, 18, the entire surface area of the
windshield 12 may be cleaned by the cleaning head 14. A length 46
of the extension member 18 plus a length 48 of the extension member
16 may be equal to or longer than a distance 50 from the
articulating joint 22 to either of an upper driver side corner 52
or a passenger side corner 54 of the windshield 12. In this manner,
when the extension members 16, 18 are linearly aligned (i.e.,
straight) to each other, the cleaning head 14 can reach the full
extent of the windshield 12 up to the passenger side corner 54 and
the driver side corner 52 of the windshield 12.
[0123] The articulating joint 22 allows the extension member 18 to
rotate at least 180.degree. (e.g. between 165.degree. and
195.degree.) so that the extension member 18 can extend
horizontally toward a driver side lower corner 56 and a passenger
side lower corner 58. The articulating joint 20 allows the
extension member 16 to rotate at least 275.degree. and up to
360.degree. so that the extension member 16 can be positioned
parallel on either side of the extension member 18. The extension
member 18 may rotate with respect to the base member 44 and the
extension member 16 may rotate with respect to the extension member
18 by way of chains and/or pulleys that are driven by a motor
located under the hood 38. Alternatively, the articulating joints
20, 22 may have micro motors and gears that control the rotation of
the respective extension members 16, 18 with respect to each other
in the extension member 18 with respect to the base member 44.
[0124] When the user depresses the full wash option 44 on the
display 26, the extension members 16, 18 are deployed out from
under the hood 38. The extension members 16, 18 position the
cleaning head 14 about an area on the windshield 12 to be cleaned.
The cleaning head 14 cleans a small portion of the windshield 12
before it moves on to the next area of the windshield 12 to be
washed. By way of example and not limitation, the windshield 12 may
be divided into sections 60 a-n. When the entire windshield 12 is
to be washed, the cleaning head 14 may be traversed over one of the
sections 60 such as section 60 a. With the cleaning head 14 over
the section 60 a of the windshield 12, cleaning fluid may be
squirted out of the cleaning head 14 on the windshield 12 at
section 60 a.
[0125] The cleaning head 14 may have a vibration unit that vibrates
bristles 62 of the cleaning head 14 so that dirt and grime can be
more effectively rubbed off of the windshield 12. As the bristles
clean the windshield 12 at section 60 a, the cleaning fluid drips
down onto a lower section of the windshield 12. Even though the
cleaning fluid drips down onto the lower section of the windshield
12, the cleaning head 14 will eventually clean that area too as the
cleaning head 14 laterally cleans each section laterally from top
to bottom.
[0126] The cleaning head 14 may also be paired with a rubber blade
or wiper 64. In particular, the rubber wiper 64 is located under
the extension member 16. The rubber wiper 64 has a generally
pointed tip which contacts the windshield and is flexible so that
the rubber wiper 64 can extend across a portion of section 60 that
has been washed clean by the bristles 62 of the cleaning head 14 to
wipe the section 60 dry by pushing the cleaning fluid to the side
or downward. Alternatively, the cleaning head 14 can clean two or
more sections first then the rubber wiper 64 can wipe dry two or
more sections 60 at the same time. The cleaning head cleans the
upper row of sections 60 a, b, c-n first. Thereafter, the cleaning
head 14 cleans the next lower row of sections 60 by following the
procedures discussed above. It is also contemplated that the
cleaning head 14 may clean all of the sections 60 of the windshield
12 first before the rubber wiper 64 wipes the windshield 12
dry.
[0127] Referring now to FIGS. 7-12, the windshield cleaning system
10 may have a spot clean feature. In this regard, the system 10 may
clean a spot of dirt and grime on the windshield 12. In particular,
when the automobile 30 is being driven, a bug 66 may approach the
windshield 12. The bug may be killed by hitting the windshield 12,
as shown in FIG. 8 and die but leave a residue 68 on the windshield
12. When the driver is driving the automobile 30, the residue 68
may visually impair the driver's vision through the windshield 12
and at the very least irritate the driver since the windshield 12
is not clean. To clean the windshield, the driver may be presented
with an illustration of the windshield 12 on the display 26. The
driver can depress the display 26 at about the location where the
residue 68 is on the windshield 12. By depressing an area on the
display 26 depicting the windshield 12, this may actuate the
extension members 16, 18 and the base member 44 to move into the
deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the
extension members 16, 18 and the base member 44 move out from under
the hood 38 and position the cleaning head 14 at the corresponding
location on the windshield 12 where the user depressed the display
26, as shown in FIG. 9. When the cleaning head 14 is disposed over
the residue 68, the cleaning head, which also has a spray nozzle
37, sprays cleaning fluid 70 on the residue 68. The cleaning head
14 is shown as being lifted above the residue 68, but this is
merely for the purposes of clarification. The cleaning head 14
extends immediately above the residue 68 so that the bristles 62
contact the windshield 12. The spray nozzle for the cleaning fluid
is located under the cleaning head 14 or within the outer perimeter
defined by the bristles 62. A tube is routed through the extension
members 16, 18 to supply the cleaning fluid to the spray
nozzle.
[0128] With the cleaning head 14 disposed adjacent or on top of the
residue 68, the cleaning head 14 can be traversed back and forth
over the residue 68 with the motor 32 controlling the motions of
the extension members 16, 18 or microcontroller in the articulating
joints 20, 22. As the cleaning head 14 moves back-and-forth as
shown in FIG. 12, the residue 68 is cleaned off of the windshield
12. The cleaning head 14 may be traversed back and forth but may
also have other motions such a circular or oval in order to clean
the residue 68 off of the windshield 12. To further facilitate
cleaning of the residue 68 off of the windshield 12, the cleaning
head 14 may also have a vibration unit 72 as shown in FIG. 12. The
vibration unit 72 may always be on if the cleaning head 14 is in
the deployed position. Alternatively, the vibration unit 72 may be
on only if the user depresses the vibration option from the cabin
and more particularly by depressing a vibration option icon 74 on
the display 26.
[0129] The cleaning head 14 may have a plurality of bristles 62
that are formed in a round configuration. The bristles 62 may
extend across the entire area defined by the outer perimeter of the
bristles 62 as shown in the drawing. Alternatively, a central
portion of the bristles 62 may be less dense or empty so that a
spray head can protrude and spray cleaning fluid on to the
windshield 12. Although the bristles 62 are shown in a round
configuration, other shapes and configurations are also
contemplated. By way of example and not limitation, the bristles 62
may be formed into a triangular or rectangular or square
configuration. The bristles may be fabricated from a soft yet rigid
material so that the distal ends of the bristles 62 may apply
friction to the residue 68 to rub the residue 68 off of the
windshield 12. The bristles may additionally be softer than the
windshield 12 so that repeated cleaning of the windshield 12 by the
cleaning head 14 does not scratch the windshield 12. By way of
example and not limitation, the bristles 62 may be fabricated from
a polyethylene material.
[0130] The bristles 62 are shown as being stationary or fixed to
the cleaning head 14. However, it is also contemplated that the
bristles 62 may rotate in a clockwise direction, counterclockwise
direction or alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise
directions. A motor may be mounted within the cleaning head 14 to
accomplish the rotational movement of the bristles 62. Electrical
wiring may be routed to the cleaning head 14 through the extension
members 16, 18 to the computer 24.
[0131] The vibration unit 72 may be mounted within the cleaning
head 14 but may also be mounted near the cleaning head 14 on the
extension member 16. Regardless of where the vibration unit 72 is
located, the vibration unit 72 is operative to vibrate the bristles
62 to increase the cleaning action of the bristles 62 on the
residue 68. The vibration unit 72, as discussed above, may have
multiple modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the
vibration unit 72 may be activated and turned on only when the
windshield wiper system 10 is in the deployed configuration,
namely, when the cleaning head 14 is extended out from under the
hood 38 and over the windshield 12. In a second mode of operation,
the vibration unit 72 may be activated and turned on only after a
spray nozzle located on the cleaning head 14 squirts cleaning fluid
on to the windshield 12. In a third mode of operation, the
vibration unit 72 may be activated and turned on only upon
depression of the vibration icon 74 on the display 26. In this
matter, the driver or user can dictate when the vibration unit 72
is turned on and activated.
[0132] The rubber wiper 64 may be disposed immediately under the
extension member 16, as shown in FIG. 9. The rubber wiper 64 may
extend downward from the extension member 16 and be positioned so
that a central plane that bisects the rubber wiper 64 is generally
perpendicular to the windshield wiper 12. The rubber wiper 64 may
be generally flexible so that as the rubber wiper 64 squeegees the
residue 68 and the cleaning fluid off of the windshield 12, the
rubber wiper 64 may bend in an opposite direction compared to the
direction of travel of the rubber wiper 64. A length 76 of the
rubber wiper 64 may be about 4 to 6 inches and up to 18 inches
long. The rubber wiper 64 is operative to wipe the residue 68 and
the cleaning fluid off of the windshield 12 by causing the rubber
wiper 64 to be traversed over the windshield 12 in a sweeping
motion similar to a squeegee.
[0133] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a second embodiment of the
windshield cleaning system 10 a is shown. Instead of the cleaning
head 14 a being controlled by two extension members 16, 18, the
cleaning head 14 a is controlled by an X-Y gantry system. The left
and right sides of the windshield 12 may have left and right
tracks. These tracks 76, 78 receive a horizontal member 80, and
more particularly, opposed end portions of the horizontal member
80. The tracks are operative to lift the horizontal member 80 up
and down the tracks 76, 78 on the windshield 12. By way of example
and not limitation, the left and right tracks 76, 78 may be
retrofitted with a linear micro motor that lifts the horizontal
member 80 up and down the tracks 76, 80. When the windshield wiper
system 10 a is traversed to a stored position, the tracks extend
downward below the hood 38 so that the horizontal member 80 and the
cleaning head 14 a can be tucked under the hood and out of
sight.
[0134] If the left and right tracks 76, 78 are parallel to each
other, then the horizontal member may have a fixed width 82.
However, if the left and right tracks 76, 78 are skewed with
respect to each other. For example, the upper side of the tracks
76, 78 are closer to each other or have a smaller width 82 compared
to a lower side of the tracks 76, 78. In this case, the horizontal
member 80 may have an adjustable width 82. The adjustment in the
width 82 of the horizontal member 80 may come in the form of a
telescoping rod on the passenger side of the horizontal member 80.
It is also contemplated that the telescoping feature of the
horizontal member 80 may be formed on the driver side of the
horizontal member 80. The cleaning head 14 a may be traversed left
and right along the horizontal member 80 so that the cleaning head
14 a can reach the entire surface area of the windshield 12 for
cleaning.
[0135] The windshield cleaning system 10 a may operate in the same
fashion as that of the windshield cleaning system 10 except that
the cleaning head 14 a is traversed over the windshield 10 with the
gantry system instead of two extension members 16, 18 connected
with articulating joints 20, 22. Moreover, the rubber wiper 64 a
has an arrow configuration compared to the straight linear
configuration shown in respect to the windshield cleaning system
10. The rubber wiper 64 a is also disposed above the bristles 62 a
of the cleaning head 14 a. Preferably a width 82 of the rubber
wiper 64 a is about as wide as a diameter of the bristles 62 a.
Also, the width 82 may be about 4 to 12 inches wide.
[0136] The horizontal member 80 may be a bar with telescoping
portions on either the passenger side with the driver side when the
tracks 76, 78 are skewed with respect to each other. If the tracks
and 76, 78 are parallel with respect to each other, then the
horizontal member 80 may be a fixed length. However, it is also
contemplated that the horizontal member 80 may be a belt driven
structure. The belt driven structure comprises of a circular belt
that runs on pulleys. The pulleys may be located adjacent the
tracks 76, 78 and be operative to be traversed up and down the
tracks 76, 78. The cleaning head 14 a is fixedly attached to the
belt. In order to traverse the cleaning head 14 a in the left and
right directions, the pulleys are rotated to move the belt, and
thus the cleaning head 14 a in the left and right directions.
[0137] Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, the display 26 which may be
touch sensitive may also illustrate the windshield 12 as an icon
100 which can be depressed or touched in order to activate the
windshield cleaning system 10. When the windshield icon 100 is
depressed, the windshield cleaner (e.g. cleaning head 14, 14 a) may
begin to clean the windshield 12. The icon of the windshield 12 may
be programmed to clean a primary field of view of the windshield
when the icon of the windshield 12 is depressed once. When the
windshield icon is depressed a second time with the time delay
between the first and second depressions being equal or great than
a momentary pause such as one second or more, this may deactivate
the windshield cleaner so that the windshield cleaner is traversed
to a stored position.
[0138] As a further alternative to the preprogrammed nature of the
icon of the windshield 12, it is also contemplated that the
depression of the icon of the windshield 12 may be operative to
clean a driver-side half of the windshield 12 or a passenger side
half of the windshield 12. Alternatively, it is also contemplated
that the depression of the icon of the windshield 12 may be
operative to clean the entire surface area of the windshield 12 and
not just its primary field of view.
[0139] More particularly, the display 26 may also illustrate the
windshield cleaner icon 100. The display 26 may be in electrical
communication with the computer 24 of the automobile. The computer
may control the windshield cleaning system 10 and may be integral
with the on-board computer of the automobile or may be an add-on
computer that may integrate with the on-board computer. The
windshield cleaning system 10 may provide for a spot cleaning
function as well as an entire windshield cleaning function. It is
also contemplated that the windshield cleaning system may include a
windshield wiper with windshield blades that rotate about a pivot
point(s). The computer 24 may also control the windshield blades of
the windshield wiper system. In this regard, when the windshield
cleaner icon 100 is displayed, the user may depress the windshield
cleaner icon 100 on the touch sensitive display 26. Upon
depression, the display may send a signal to the computer 24. The
computer may send a signal to the motor 32 to rotate the wiper
blades or operate the windshield cleaner for wiping and cleaning
the windshield of the automobile. Additionally, the windshield
cleaner icon 100 when either the articulating joint system or the
gantry system is installed on the automobile may, when depressed,
operate the articulating joint system or the gantry system
whichever is installed on the automobile to clean the windshield of
the automobile.
[0140] In another aspect, the display 26 may also have a cruise
control icon 102 which when depressed may activate the cruise
control program of the automobile (e.g., passenger vehicles,
trucks, busses, recreational vehicles and motor homes). More
particularly, when the cruise control icon is depressed, the
current speed of the car or automobile may be maintained by the
cruise control program of the automobile. The cruise control
program of the automobile may be loaded on an on-board computer of
the automobile. By on-board, this may include a computer that is
integral or an add-on to the computer of the automobile that
controls the other functions (e.g., door locks, engine control
system, etc.) of the automobile. By way of example and not
limitation, if an add-on computer performs the cruise control
program, that add-on computer may be a smart phone. In this manner,
the smart phone processor may perform the cruise control program.
Alternatively, the smart phone processor/computer may work in
conjunction with the on-board computer that performs the cruise
control program.
[0141] The cruise control program may include an active cruise
control feature wherein the automobile is set to a particular speed
or set to a particular maximum speed but the automobile may be
slowed down if a distance sensor on the automobile senses a vehicle
in front of the automobile closer than a minimum allowable
distance. When the cruise control icon 102 is depressed, the
display 26 may send an electronic signal to the computer 24 of the
automobile to activate the cruise control program loaded on the
automobile computer. If the cruise control function is already
activated, depression of the cruise control icon 102 may cause the
display 26 to send an electronic signal to the computer 24 to
deactivate the cruise control function. If the first and second
depressions of the cruise control icon 102 are more than a
momentary pause then each depression of the cruise control icon 102
may be used to activate and deactivate the cruise control program
or feature. However, if the cruise control icon 102 is depressed in
two quick successions so that the time between the two depressions
is less than a momentary pause, a cruise control settings menu may
be displayed on the display. In this regard, the cruise control
icon 102 may also be utilized to set customizable settings for the
cruise control program. These settings include but are not limited
to a top speed of the vehicle when the cruise control feature is
activated, a minimum distance with a vehicle in front of the
automobile, a default speed and a default minimum distance with the
vehicle in front of the automobile.
[0142] The cruise control feature may allow the automobile speed to
be set to a particular speed. The speed may be either the current
speed of the automobile or an adjustable max speed controllable by
the user. If the cruise control function allow only for a current
speed of the automobile to be set, the cruise control function may
operate so that the current speed of the automobile is maintained
when the cruise control feature activated. The cruise control
feature may allow for an adjustment in the automobile speed
controllable by the user. Upon depression of the cruise control
icon 102, the cruise control function may be activated so that the
current speed of the automobile is maintained and the display may
also show a top speed of the automobile with plus and minus icons
used to increase or decrease the target speed. If the top speed is
increased or decreased, the automobile is accelerated or
decelerated based on the relative target speed of the automobile
and the actual speed of the automobile. Initially, when the cruise
control function is activated upon depression of the cruise control
icon 102, the target speed may be set to the current speed of the
automobile.
[0143] The cruise control function may have customizable settings
as discussed above. The customizable settings may be accessed
through a cruise control setting icon or it is also contemplated
that the customizable settings may be accessed through a double
tapping action of the cruise control icon 102 on the display. When
the cruise control function has an active cruise control feature,
the customizable settings may include a setting for top speed of
the automobile. The top speed of the automobile may be set to
between 65 mph and 100 mph. For example, the top speed of the
automobile under control of the cruise control function may be
below 70 mph. In this regard, the setting for top speed of the
automobile may be no greater than the range stated above. The
customizable settings may also include a setting for a minimum
distance with the vehicle in front of the automobile. The speed of
the automobile may be reduced as the automobile approaches of
vehicle. A proximity sensor of the automobile may sense that it is
coming closer to a vehicle in front of it. The proximity sensor is
capable of determining a distance between the automobile and the
vehicle in front of it. The minimum distance with the vehicle in
front of the automobile may be equal to a stopping distance of the
automobile upon full application of the brakes of the
automobile.
[0144] As used herein, the relative directions up and down are with
respect to the direction of gravity. As used herein, the following
part numbers refer to the following parts: 120--cleaning device;
122--windshield; 124--top of windshield; 126--bottom of windshield;
128-- starting/first side of windshield; 129-- center of
windshield; 130-- return/second side of windshield; 132--top
carrier; 134--bottom carrier; 136--top tracks; 138--bottom tracks;
140--frame; 144--top frame; 146--bottom frame; 148-- starting/first
side frame; 150-- return/second side frame; 152--brush; 153--motor;
154--wiper blade; 156--spray bar; 158a, 158b--first and second flow
channel; 160a, 160b--first and second spray nozzles; 162--pump;
164--container for wash fluid; 166--air compressor; 168--air
storage container; 170--side frame cover, 172-- drain, 174--
cleaning tool housing, 176-- housing cover, 178a, 178b--first and
second cleaning tool arms, 180a, 180b--first and second arm drive
mechanism, 182a, 182b--first and second arm tracks, and 184--
splashguard. In embodiments with just one set of cleaning tools
(e.g. wiper blade, spray bar, brush), side frame 148 is referred to
as a starting side frame and side frame 150 is referred to as a
return side frame, however, in embodiments where a plurality of
cleaning tools are used, side frame 148 is referred to as a first
side frame and side frame 150 is referred to as a second side
frame. While the starting side frame 148 is shown as located on the
left side of the windshield 122 (when facing the windshield), the
starting side frame may be on the right side.
[0145] The cleaning devices described below have been described
with the cleaning devices being deployed from a front side of the
vehicle or vehicle windshield to clean a motor vehicle windshield.
Embodiments in support of a front deployed method and structure may
be modified so that the cleaning devices are deployed from the side
of a vehicle windshield or vehicle so that the width of the
windshield is not reduced to accommodate the cleaning devices. For
example, carrier tracks may be curved so as to be routed from the
side of the vehicle windshield or vehicle. Moreover, the windshield
122 may be flat or curved. The windshield cleaner may be sized so
that the entire windshield or any select portion thereof can be
cleaned with the windshield cleaner. It is also contemplated that
the disclosed mechanisms and structures could be adapted to clean
any appropriate surface, for example a building window or a
tabletop.
[0146] Referring to FIGS. 18-31, a method and apparatus are
disclosed for washing surfaces to which the apparatus is mounted,
with special application for washing the windshield 122 of a bus or
RV having a top 124, an opposing bottom 126, a starting side 128
and a return side 130 of the windshield. The cleaning device 120
advantageously moves from the starting side 128 to the return side
130 and back to the starting side 128. The cleaning device 120
advantageously extends across the windshield between the top and
bottom sides 124, 128 and may be connected to top and bottom
carriers 132, 134 which move along top and bottom tracks 136, 138
as the cleaning device moves from the starting side 128 to the
return side 130 and back.
[0147] Advantageously, the cleaning device 120 is contained in a
frame 140 having a top frame 144 which contains the top tracks 136,
and an opposing bottom frame 146 which contains the bottom tracks
138. The frame 140 may have starting side frame 148 and an opposing
return side frame 150. Advantageously, the starting side frame 148
and return side frame 150 extend between the top and bottom frames
144, 146 at opposing ends of the frame 140. The various parts of
the frame 140 advantageously have cross-sectional shapes that are
square in cross-section, where square includes rectangular
cross-sectional shapes.
[0148] The cleaning device 120 has components to clean and dry the
windshield 122 and these components may include a brush 152 to wash
and scrub the windshield, a wiper blade 154 to scrape water, and
wash fluid and debris off the windshield, and at least one spray
bar 156 to spray wash fluid onto the windshield and/or brush and to
spray bar 156 and to spray air onto the windshield during drying.
Advantageously all the cleaning components such as the brush 152,
wiper blade 154 and spray bar 156 have opposing ends that are
connected to a different one of the carriers 132, 134 so they
extend across a height of the windshield 122 and move with the
carriers from side to side across the windshield.
[0149] The brush 152 may comprise a rotatable, cylindrical brush
and may be made of radially extending fibers or bristles and
preferably has a predetermined, un-deformed diameter. As used
herein, the rotatable brush rotates more than one revolution in one
direction rather than oscillates back and forth less than one
revolution. The brush 152 may comprise a plurality of radially
mounted, elongated but flexible members that hang downward with
gravity and that use centrifugal force arising from rotation to
cause the flexible members to resemble a cylindrical brush. A brush
152 made of a plurality of radially extending, polymer bristles
extending from a central cylindrical core of about 0.5-inch
diameter, with an overall diameter of 2-3 inches is believed
suitable. The brush 152 is rotated by various mechanisms, including
by a motor 153 which is advantageously an electric motor or a fluid
driven motor as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,032,976. When an
electric motor 153 is use, the motor may be connected to one of the
carriers 132, 134 to rotate the brush 152 directly or through a
gear mechanism. An electric motor 153 mounted on and moving with
the bottom carrier 134 is believed suitable. When a fluid drive is
used to rotate brush 152, the fluid motor may be as described in
the above U.S. Pat. No. 8,032,976, or it may be the fluid pump 162
or the air compressor 166 (or air storage container 168), with an
optional valve on one of the carriers 132, 134 or elsewhere
regulating the fluid flow.
[0150] Whether the rotating mechanism is a motor electrically
powered through a conductive wire or fluid powered as by air or
washer fluid through a supply tube, the fluid supply tube or
electrical supply wires may extend from one side frame 148, 150
toward the opposing side frame 150, 148, and are advantageously
contained in one of the top or bottom frames 144, 146. Electrical
wires or fluid tubes extending from the starting side frame 148 and
resiliently tethered to the return side frame 150 and contained in
the bottom frame-- are believed suitable. The resilient tether is
believed to help keep the tubes or wires from tangling during
reciprocal motion of the brush 53. It is also believed suitable to
have the electrical wires or fluid supply tubes extending from the
middle of the top or bottom frames and tethered to one of the
starting side or return side frames to help keep the tubes or wires
from tangling during reciprocating movement of the brush 152.
[0151] The wiper blade 154 is an elongated, flexible, rubber or
elastomeric blade of the type used in windshield wipers or a
squeegee. The wiper blade 154 typically has a triangular
cross-sectional shape narrowest at the tip which abuts the
windshield 122 during use. The wiper blade, when pressed against
the windshield 122 and moved from the return side 130 of the
windshield toward the starting side 128 of the windshield, pushes
water, washing fluid and debris off the windshield surface to leave
an effectively dry windshield when things work properly. The angle
of the wiper blade 154 relative to the outer surface of the
windshield 122 will vary, with an angle of about 70-90.degree.
believed suitable, and with the flexible tip of the wiper blade
lagging behind the thicker mounting portion of the blade as the
blade moves during use. The length of the wiper blade 154 is
preferably aligned in the vertical plane, but could be inclined
thereto with the top more inclined toward the starting side frame
148 to direct the water toward the bottom frame 146.
[0152] The spray bar 156 may comprise a single rotating bar having
separate, first and second flow channels 158 a, 158 b (FIG. 18),
each flow channel having a respective first and second plurality
spray nozzles 160 a, 160 b so nozzles 160 a are associate first
flow channel 158 a, and nozzles 160 b are associated with second
flow channel 158 b. The first flow channel 158 a is in fluid
communication with a source of pressurized wash fluid, which may
comprise pump 162 that is in fluid communication with a source of
wash fluid or cleaning fluid, such as container 164. As desired,
the pump 162 may draw soap from one container and water from
another container and mix them for deliver to flow channel 158 a,
but preferably a premixed was fluid is provided in container 164,
with the pump passing the wash fluid to the first flow channel 158
a under a predetermined pressure. A pressure of a few psi is
believed suitable for use, about 2-10 psi. While higher pressures
are believed usable, it is believed desirable to avoid pressures
high enough to require high pressure fittings and seals as those
may shorten the system's life. Thus, a pressure less than about 20
psi is believed desirable. As used herein, the term "less than
about 20 psi" may include zero, but that would not generate any
pressure so the term "a pressure less than about 20 psi" refers to
a non-zero pressure sufficient to function in the device described
herein. The water, liquid soap or the mixture of water and soap may
be heated with a heater (e.g., thermos exchanger with the engine of
the vehicle, electric heater, etc.) so that heated mixture of water
and soap may be sprayed onto the windshield. If the windshield is
frosted or has ice frozen over it, then the heat liquid mixture may
be utilized to defrost the windshield.
[0153] The second flow channel 158 b is in fluid communication with
a source of pressurized air, which may comprise an air compressor
166, or an air storage container 168, or both. If the air
compressor is utilized, then the air compressor may run off of
power from the vehicle engine. Alternatively, in lieu of a separate
air compressor dedicated for the windshield cleaner, it is also
contemplated that the windshield cleaner may utilize the air
compressor of the vehicle (e.g., air ride, etc.). An air storage
container 168 is desirable as it may provide a high air pressure
with little or no delay, but the pressurized air has its own
storage issues and has limited capacity. The use of both a
pressurized container 168 and an air compressor 166 allows a prompt
supply of pressurized air and a continuing supply. A pressure
sufficient to blow water droplets off the windshield 122 is
desirable, with a pressure of about 10-40 psi believed desirable.
Higher pressures are believed acceptable for use, but the higher
pressures may involve more complex seals and protective measures if
a high-pressure container 168 is used.
[0154] The fluid supply tubes to the first and second flow channels
158 a, 158 b may arranged the same as described for the electrical
wires and fluid supply to the brush 152. Advantageously, the supply
tubes comprise flexible elastomeric tubes that extend from the
starting side frame 148 or the middle of the bottom frame 146, with
the supply tubs tethered to one of the return side frame 150 or
starting side frame 148 to help avoid tangling.
[0155] During use of the cleaning system 120, the brush 152 rotates
against the windshield 122 as the carriers 132, 134 move the brush
from the starting side frame 148 to the return side frame 150, with
the brush preferably not rotating against the windshield as the
carriers move the brush back to the starting side frame 148. During
use, the spray bar 156 has first spray nozzles 61 a adjacent the
windshield and adjacent the rotating brush 152 and between the
rotating brush and the return side 150 during washing. Shortly
before or during the return movement of the carriers 132, 134 from
the return side frame 150 to the starting side 148, the spray bar
156 rotates to the opposing side of the brush 152 so the second
spray nozzles 160 b are adjacent the windshield 122 and adjacent
the wiper blade 154, while the brush 152 is lifted away from the
surface of windshield 122 and preferably does not rotate. During
use, the wiper blade 154 does not contact and scrape against the
windshield 122 as the carriers 132, 134 move the wiper blade from
the starting side frame 148 to the return side frame 150, with the
wiper blade urged against the windshield 122 to scrape water from
the windshield as the carriers move the wiper blade from the return
side frame 150 to the starting side frame 148.
[0156] The engagement and disengagement of the brush 152 and wiper
blade 154 with the windshield may be achieved by various
mechanisms, including rotating a support member having the brush
152 and wiper blade 154 on opposing, first and second ends of the
support member, so that the wiper blade 154 is away from the
windshield 122 when the brush 152 engages the windshield, and the
brush 152 is away from the windshield when the wiper blade 154
engages the windshield. The brush 152 and wiper blade 154 may be
positioned various ways, including separate linear or rotary
actuators (e.g., solenoids or motors) connected to one or both
carriers 132, 134 and further connected to the brush 152 and/or
wiper blade 154 so the brush and blade may be moved separately
toward or away from the windshield or move simultaneously in
opposing directions toward or away from the windshield. The
movement may be achieved, by pneumatic or fluid motors driven by
the pump 162, air compressor 166, or air storage container 168.
Various cams and cam pins may be connected to one or both of the
carriers 132, 134, or on the support member for the brush and wiper
blade, or on the top and bottom frames 144, 146 or return side
frame 150, to position the brush 152 and wiper blade 154 relative
to the windshield 122. Depending on the mechanism used to position
the brush 152 and wiper blade 154, various position or actuator
sensors may be used to control the mechanisms. A resilient spring
may be interposed between the device providing the moving force and
the wiper blade 154 and between the device providing the moving
force and the brush 152 in order to resiliently urge the brush 152
and wiper blade 154 against the windshield 122.
[0157] The spray bar 156 advantageously has a U-shape with opposing
ends connected to different ones of the top and bottom carriers
132, 134. The spray bar 156 rotates relative to those carriers 132,
134 to place the first spray nozzles 160 a adjacent the brush 152
and windshield either before or as the spray bar moves from the
starting side frame 148 toward the return side frame 150. As the
spray bar reaches or extends into the return side frame 150 the
spray bar rotates to the other side of the brush 152. The rotation
may be achieved, by various devices, including pneumatic or fluid
motors driven by the pump 162, air compressor 166, or air storage
container 168. Electric motors and cam mechanisms are also believed
suitable, with cam pins connected to the top or bottom frames 144,
146 or to the return frame 150 engaging portions of the spray bar
156 or a cam member connected to the carrier, to cause rotation of
the spray bar adjacent the return frame 150. Depending on the
mechanism used to position the spray bar 156, various position or
actuator sensors may be used to control the mechanism(s) rotating
or positioning the spray bar.
[0158] The top and bottom carriers 132, 135 are advantageously
sized and configured to fit within the top and bottom frames 144,
146. The carriers 132, 134 advantageously reciprocate along the top
and bottom tracks 136, 138 from the starting side of the windshield
(or starting side frame) to the return side of the windshield (or
return side frame) and back to the starting side of the windshield
(or return side frame). The tracks 136, 138 and their respective
carriers 132, 134 may take various forms to guide the carriers
during use as they reciprocate from the starting side frame 148 to
the return side frame 150 and back to the starting side frame 148.
The tracks 136, 138 may be the same, or different in
construction.
[0159] Typically, one of the tracks or carriers has a rolling or
sliding contact that is entrapped by the other of the tracks or
carriers to guide the movement of the carriers along the tracks.
The tracks 136, 138 may take the form of an elongated member with
an enlarged portion while the carriers 132, 134 are configured to
engage the enlarged portion in a rolling or sliding contact and
move along the tracks with the enlarged portion guiding the
carrier. Monorails may use this type of system. Conversely, the
tracks 136, 138 may form a recess with the carriers 132, 134 having
an enlarged portion to engage the recess in a sliding or rolling
contact and move along the tracks with the enlarged portion guiding
the carrier. One of the tracks and one of the carriers may have one
of the above general features, while the other of the tracks and
carriers has the other of the above general features, and the
orientation of the top and bottom parts may change.
[0160] Thus, for example, the bottom track 138 may take the form of
a generally horizontally or laterally extending C-shaped track with
a generally vertical wheel or wheels on the bottom carrier 134
guided between the short legs of the C-section on the bottom track
138, while the top track 136 may be comprise a generally vertical,
C-shaped track with the top carrier 132 having generally vertically
oriented wheels and rolling along the bottom, short leg of the
C-shaped, top track. Alternatively, the top track could have a
construction as described for the bottom track, or vice versa. As a
further illustrative example, tracks and rolling and sliding
followers as used on sliding glass doors and room dividers are also
believed suitable. The carriers 132, 134 and the parts extending
between them (brush, wiper blade, spray bar) may be supported by
the bottom carrier and guided by the top carrier, or suspended from
the top carrier and guided by the bottom carrier, or a combination
of the two.
[0161] If the tracks 136, 138 do not involve a specific drive
mechanism as described below, then a separate movement mechanism
may be provided to move the carriers 132, 134 and associated brush
152, wiper blade 154 and spray bar 156 in a reciprocal motion
across the windshield and back. A belt or pully system may extend
between the starting side frame 148 and return side frame 150, with
the belt or pulley connected to one of the top or bottom carriers
132, 134, with a drive motor and control advantageously located in
one of the side frames, preferably the starting side frame 148.
Other drive mechanisms may be used, including pneumatic drives or
fluid drives powered by the air compressor 166 or air storage
container 168 or pump 162. A separate electric motor drive could
also be provided, powered by the vehicle's battery. The other
electrical components and motors described herein are also
advantageously powered by and thus in electrical communication with
the vehicle's battery.
[0162] Some drive mechanisms involve specific drives. One or both
of the tracks 136, 138 may comprise a rack gear that may be
slightly curved to confirm to the shape of the portion windshield
along which the track extends, with a pinion gear connected to one
or both of the carriers 132 or 134 guided by the track connected to
the carrier. The windshield 122 and tracks, 136, 138 are curved or
bowed so the opposing ends of the top and bottom tracks are offset
from a middle of the track. A cog wheel and track may be associated
with only one or each of the carriers 132, 134. These drive
mechanisms lend themselves to use with tracks 136, 138 that are
slightly curved to conform to the shape of the adjacent windshield.
If straight tracks may be used, then lead screws and ball screws
may also be used to move the carrier(s) 132, 134 across the
windshield 122 and back to the starting side frame 148.
[0163] The starting/first side frame 148 and return/second side
frame 150 may each have its own cover 170 which are advantageously
opened during use and closed when not in use. The top and bottom
frames 144, 148 also preferably have similar covers that open
during use and closed when not in use, but hose covers are not
shown in detail. The starting frame cover 170 covers the starting
side frame 148 and cleaning components located therein when not in
use. Advantageously, the carriers 132, 134, brush 152, wiper blade
154 and spray bar 156 start and stop their reciprocal motion at the
starting side frame 148 and fit within that frame 148 and cover 170
when not in use. Both covers 170 also acts as a splash shields to
reduce the amount of washer water the rotating brush 152 splashes
to the sides of the vehicle. Water splashing to the side of the
windshield 122 may enter the vehicle if a side windshield is open,
and may collect on the side of the vehicle or side windshields and
create undesirable deposits of dirt and mud. Advantageously, each
cover 170 directs any collected washer fluid and debris toward the
side frame associated with the cover and a drain 172 is provided at
the bottom of the starting side frame 148 and return side frame 150
to allow such collected fluids to be directed by drain tubing
toward the bottom of the vehicle where it drips onto the ground on
which the vehicle travels.
[0164] During use, the covers 170 open on the vehicle side frames
148, 150 and if not already in position, the spray bar 156 moves
into its first operating position adjacent the windshield 122 and
brush 152. The brush 152 starts rotating and washer fluid is
sprayed onto the windshield and/or brush through first spray
nozzles 160 a of the spray bar. One or both of the top and bottom
carriers 132, 134 move the rotating brush 152, spray bar 156 and
non-contacting wiper blade 154 across the windshield 122 from the
starting side 128 of the windshield and the starting side frame
148, toward the return side of the windshield 130 and the return
side frame 150. The top and bottom carriers 132, 134 move along the
respective top and bottom tracks 136, 138 during this movement. The
wiper blade 154 is not in contact with the windshield 122 during
this movement. The washing position is shown in solid lines in FIG.
18.
[0165] When the spray bar 156 reaches the return side frame 150 the
spray bar 156 is rotated about half a turn to a second operating
position adjacent the windshield 122 and adjacent the wiper blade
154 and air flows from the second spray nozzles 160 b. This drying
position is shown in broken lines in FIG. 18. The flow of washer
fluid to the rotating brush 152 is stopped and the rotating brush
is lifted from contact with the windshield while the wiper is
placed in contact with the windshield. After spinning a short while
to throw off washer fluid from the brush, the rotation of the brush
is stopped. The carrier plate(s) 132, 134 then move the wiper blade
154, spray bar 156 and non-rotating, non-contacting brush 152
across the windshield from the return side of the windshield 130
and return side frame 150 to the starting side of the windshield
128 and the starting side frame 148, with the wiper blade and spray
nozzles 160 b removing washer water and debris from the windshield
surface during that return movement of the parts. The washer water
and debris are advantageously blown toward the bottom frame 146 and
starting side frame 148, both of which advantageously direct that
washer water and debris to the drains 172.
[0166] As shown in FIG. 31, when the spray bar 156 reaches the
starting side frame 148 the spray bar is moved to a storage
position so the spray bar, brush 152 and wiper blade 154 may fit
within the starting side frame 147 with the cover closed over the
starting side frame 148. Because the starting side frame 148 has a
rectangular cross-sectional shape, the spray bar is moved to a
location adjacent the juncture of the starting side frame 148 and
the starting side frame cover 170, which is about 135.degree. away
from the surface of the windshield and about 45.degree. from the
return location adjacent the windshield and the wiper blade 154.
The spray bar may be angled toward the corner of the rectangular
cross-sectional shape of the starting side frame 148 to reduce the
profile of the side frame 48. The storage configurations will vary
depending on the configurations of the parts. Each cover 170 is
placed over the starting side frame 148 or the return side frame
150 that is associated with each cover 170. The covers 170 are
preferably hinged to the associated starting side frame 148 and
return side frame 150, and rotated to the open and closed position
by a separate electric motor.
[0167] Referring to FIGS. 32-39, systems, methods, and apparatus
are disclosed for utilizing an alternative cleaning tool housing
174 to house brushes, wiper blades, and spray bars for a cleaning
device in a disengaged position when not in use and in an engaged
position when in use for cleaning a surface. As used herein, a
housing that "houses" a cleaning tool is one that substantially
(between 90% and 100%) surrounds at least three sides of a
three-dimensional volume enclosing the cleaning tool. Cleaning tool
housing 174 is shown coupled to a rooftop of a motor vehicle above
top frame 144, and is preferably coupled using a permanent
attachment means, such as welding or glue, although other
attachment means, such as screws and bolts, could be used to couple
cleaning tool housing to the motor vehicle.
[0168] Cleaning tool housing 174 is sized and disposed to house
cleaning tools for the cleaning device--in this case two sets of
brushes, wiper blades, spray bars, and splashguards where each set
composes a cleaning tool arm 180a and 180b. While the space for the
brushes, wiper blades, and spray bars is shown as a single cavity
large enough to hold both cleaning tool arms 180a and 180b,
cleaning tool housing 174 could be configured to have a plurality
of cavities, for example two cavities that each house a cleaning
tool arm, or six cavities that each discretely house a discrete
cleaning tool. Cleaning tool housing 174 preferably has at least
one housing cover 176 to enclose at least a portion of a cavity in
which a cleaning tool is housed. Housing cover 176 is shown here as
a single motorized door that folds within a cavity of cleaning tool
housing 174 when the cleaning device is activated, however housing
cover 176 could comprise a plurality of covers or could comprise a
manual door in other embodiments.
[0169] As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, arm drive mechanism 180a is
configured to move first cleaning tool arm from a disengaged
position within cleaning tool housing 174 to an engaged position
outside of cleaning tool housing 174, and arm drive mechanism 180b
is configured to move first cleaning tool arm 178b from a
disengaged position within cleaning tool housing 174 to an engaged
position outside of cleaning tool housing 174. While the engagement
drive mechanisms shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 are disclosed by way of
example as rotating ball joints of arm drive mechanisms 180a and
180b, any suitable mechanism could be used to move a cleaning tool
from a disengaged position within the cleaning tool housing to an
engaged position outside the cleaning tool housing, such as a
motorized hinge or a series of tracks and wheels. Here, arm drive
mechanisms 180a and 180b move first and second cleaning tool arms
178a and 178b from a horizontal disengaged position within cleaning
tool housing 174 seen in FIG. 32 to a vertical engaged position
outside cleaning tool housing seen in FIG. 34 using rotating ball
joints. The horizontal and vertical axis are substantially
perpendicular to one another, which allows the cleaning tool arms
to be discretely stored within a storage area more aesthetically
pleasing than a side of a motor vehicle windshield. Depending upon
the surface that the cleaning device is used for, a cleaning tool
may such that its major length changes between any disparate axis,
for example from a vertical position to a horizontal position or
from a horizontal position to a diagonal position. As used herein,
axis that are "substantially perpendicular" or "substantially
parallel" to one another are axis that are perpendicular or
parallel to one another within 5-10 degrees.
[0170] Each of cleaning tool arms 178a and 178b are mounted to
first and second arm tracks 182a and 182b, located within cleaning
tool housing 174, which allows movement drive mechanisms to move
cleaning tools mounted on the arms across a surface of windshield
122 merely by moving cleaning tool arms 178a and 178b along tracks
182a and 182b. As shown, first and second arm tracks 182a and 182b
are slightly curved near the edges of curved windshield 122, which
allow cleaning tool arms 178a and 178b, respectively, to clean a
non-planar surface of windshield 122 along the curved edges of
windshield 122. When a cleaning tool arm is designed to clean a
non-planar surface, preferably, any tracks that a cleaning tool arm
is mounted to would have a track that is sized and disposed to
conform to a profile of the surface such that a cleaning tool (e.g.
a brush and/or a wiper blade) of the cleaning tool arm maintains
contact while the cleaning tool arm is moved along the track. While
arm drive mechanisms 180a and 180b are used to move cleaning tool
arms 178a and 178b, respectively, along first and second arm tracks
182a and 182b, respectively, other known movement drive mechanisms
could be used to move cleaning tools along a surface to be cleaned,
such as robotic arms with multiple elbow joints or hinged joints
for a cleaning tool similar to hinged joints of known windshield
wipers.
[0171] Arm drive mechanisms 182a and 182b move the cleaning tool
arms 178a and 178b, respectively, towards center of windshield 129,
and are then activated to scrub their respective sides of
windshield 122--first side of windshield 128 and second side of
windshield 130. Activation of cleaning tool arms 178a and 178b can
be observed more clearly in FIGS. 35-39, which show that liquid is
sprayed towards windshield 122 while a brush wipes the surface
while the cleaning tool arm is moved in one direction across
windshield 122 to scrub a side of windshield 122 in FIGS. 35-38A,
and then a wiper blade is placed against the surface while the
cleaning tool arm is moved in another direction across windshield
122 to dry a side of windshield 122 in FIGS. 38B-39.
[0172] As shown in FIG. 36, when cleaning tool arm 178b is
activated to scrub the second side 124 of windshield 122, spray bar
156 is used to spray liquid, for example water or a washer fluid,
towards the surface of windshield 122, while brush 152 rotates
against the surface of windshield 122. Splashguard 184 prevents the
spraying water from spraying/splashing/ricocheting too far away
from the surface of windshield 122, directing a majority of
splashing fluid back towards the surface of windshield 122.
Preferably, a brush drive mechanism is used to rotate brush 152
without also rotating spray bar 156, for example by using nested
bars coupled via ball bearings. Any means of spraying liquid via
spray bar 156 could be used, for example by using previously
disclosed fluid channels with sets of spray nozzles pointed towards
the surface of windshield 122. Since spray bar 156 is located to
the right of rotating brush 152, and cleaning tool arm 178b moves
to the right when scrubbing the second side 124 of windshield 122,
portions of windshield 122 is sprayed with the liquid before the
brush scrubs that portion of windshield 122. This is shown more
clearly in FIG. 37, which shows one side of the cleaning tool arms
having concentrated foam bubbles generated by spraying washer fluid
towards the surface of windshield 122 with a spray bar, and the
other side of the cleaning tool arms having less concentrated
scrubbing bubbles generated by scrubbing the surface of windshield
122 with a brush. Similar embodiments exist for cleaning tool arm
178a.
[0173] In some embodiments, spray bar 156 is configured to perform
a deicing procedure prior to spraying cleaning liquid onto
windshield 122. In one embodiment, the deicing procedure comprises
configuring spray bar 156 to first spray a deicing material onto
windshield 122 prior to spraying cleaning fluid onto windshield
122. Any suitable deicing material could be used, for example warm
water, any fluid having a melting point lower than water (e.g.
alcohol, glycol, or a mixture thereof) or warm air could be sprayed
onto windshield 122 prior to spraying cleaning fluid. In
embodiments where the deicing material is warm water, the system
could be configured to first heat the water within a liquid
reservoir before spraying the warm water onto windshield 122, or by
directing fluid from a hot water heater on the vehicle onto
windshield 122. While the liquid reservoir could be contained
within cleaning tool housing 174, the liquid reservoir could also
be coupled to an exterior attachment means (e.g. a threaded screw
hole) on cleaning tool housing, or could be coupled to another
portion of the vehicle, having a hose that leads to a spray nozzle,
such as nozzle 160a or 160b. In such embodiments, preferably two
different hoses, one that transports deicing material and another
that transports cleaning fluid, both lead to a single spray nozzle
on a cleaning bar. In other embodiments, a separate spray nozzle
(not shown) mounted to spray bar 156 could be used to spray deicing
material onto windshield 122 prior to spraying cleaning fluid.
[0174] As shown in FIGS. 38A, 38B, 40A, and 40B, when cleaning tool
arm 178a, reaches an edge of windshield 122, the system stops the
rotation of brush 152 and stops spray bar 156 from spraying liquid,
and then activates a transitioning drive mechanism to move spray
bar 156 from a spraying position to a wiping position. Exemplary
transitioning drive mechanisms could comprise a simple rotating
joint coupled to the hinge to rotate cleaning tool arm 178a to move
its spray bar from a spraying position to a wiping position.
Cleaning tool arm 178a rotates spray bar 156 about brush 152 such
that wiper blade 154 mounted to spray bar 156 is in contact with
the surface of the windshield 122. From this position, the system
dries windshield 122 by moving the cleaning tool arms back towards
center of windshield 129. Since wiper blade 154 is in contact with
the surface of windshield 122, as cleaning tool arm 178a moves
towards center of windshield 122, wiper blade 154 acts as a
squeegee to dry the surface of windshield 122. Preferably, such a
transitioning drive mechanism is used to move brush 152 away from
the surface of windshield 122 to prevent any bristles of brush 152
from touching the surface of windshield 122 while wiper blade 154
squeegee's the surface of windshield 122. Also preferably, an air
compressor blows air through a fluid channel in spray bar 156 to
blow air through a set of spray nozzles to help dry the surface of
windshield 122. Similar embodiments exist for cleaning tool arm
178b.
[0175] As shown in FIGS. 40C and 40D, the tip of wiper blade 154
could be oriented in a variety of directions to dry the surface of
windshield 122. The tip of wiper blade 154 could be oriented
substantially perpendicular to the surface of windshield 122, acute
to the surface of windshield 122, or obtuse to the surface of
windshield 122. In some embodiments, wiper blade 154 could also be
bent. For example, a length of wiper blade 154 distal from the tip
is substantially perpendicular to the surface of windshield 122
while a length of wiper blade 154 proximal to the tip is
substantially acute or obtuse to the surface of windshield 122. In
some embodiments, both spray bar 156 and wiper blade 154 could have
matching attachment mechanisms that allow a user to interchangeably
attach wiper blades having different angled configurations to spray
bar 156. Contemplated attachment mechanisms include sliding
dovetail joints, matching recesses/projections, and magnets.
[0176] When cleaning tool arms 178a and 178b are finished drying
the surface of windshield 122, the arm drive mechanisms 180a and
180b, respectively, preferably rotate cleaning tool arms 178a and
178b, respectively, such that the tip of the wiper blades no longer
touch the surface of windshield 122, and then move cleaning tool
arms 178a and 178b to disengaged positions within cleaning tool
housing 176. A door drive mechanism could then preferably close
housing cover 176.
[0177] While two cleaning tool arms 178a and 178b are used to clean
windshield 122, more or less cleaning tool arms could be used. For
example, a single cleaning tool arm could be stored within cleaning
tool housing 176, which is unfolded to an edge of the windshield,
such as first side of windshield 128, and is then moved along a
track spanning the entire horizontal length of windshield 122, or
two cleaning tool arms could be moved to an engaged position on the
first side of windshield 128 and two more cleaning tool arms could
be moved to an engaged position on the second side of windshield
130.
[0178] While wiper blade 154 is shown as coupled to a side of spray
bar 156, wiper blade 154 could have been coupled to a separate bar
to the side of spray bar 156, or could be on a separate arm
completely. In other embodiments, a cleaning device could have
discrete arms for each of the brush, spray bar, and wiper blade,
each of which can have discrete engagement drive mechanisms and
movement drive mechanisms. While a single arm drive mechanism is
used as an engagement drive mechanism to move each cleaning tool
arm between the engaged position and the disengaged position, as a
movement drive mechanism to move each cleaning tool arm across the
surface of the windshield, and as a transitioning drive mechanism
to move the brush, spray bar, and wiper blade from a spraying
position to a wiping position, in some embodiments discrete drive
mechanisms could be used as the engagement drive mechanism,
movement drive mechanism, and transitioning drive mechanisms for a
cleaning device. For example, an engagement drive mechanism could
comprise a hinge that unfolds cleaning tool arm 178a from a
disengaged position within cleaning tool housing 176 to first side
of windshield 128, a transition drive mechanism could comprise a
rotating joint coupled to the hinge to rotate cleaning tool arm
178a to move its spray bar from a spraying position to a wiping
position, and a movement drive mechanism could comprise a trolley
coupled to the rotating joint that moves cleaning tool arm 178a
along first arm track 182a.
[0179] Movement of the cleaning tools could also be reversed
compared to the exemplary movements disclosed herein, for example
the cleaning tools could brush from the exterior edges to the
middle, and wipe from the middle to the exterior edges, or could
even be performed in other directions, for example brushing from
top to bottom and wiping from bottom to top and vice-versa, or even
moving diagonally. Preferably, the movement of the cleaning tools
runs from one major edge to another major edge of the surface, for
example from a major edge of a rectangle to a major edge of a
rectangle.
[0180] While cleaning tool housing 174 is shown coupled to a
portion of the motor vehicle located above top frame 144, cleaning
tool housing 174 could be coupled to either side of windshield 122,
or even could be coupled below windshield 122. In some embodiments,
cleaning tool housing could be coupled to a motorized arm that
extends to a point proximal to windshield 122 such that a drive
mechanism is configured to extend a cleaning tool from the cleaning
tool housing to operationally affect a surface of windshield 122,
however cleaning tool housing 176 is preferably coupled within a
few inches from an edge of windshield 122, such as within 10
inches, 5 inches, 1 inch, or even abutting a frame of windshield
122, such as top frame 144. In embodiments where the cleaning tool
is mobile with respect to the surface to be cleaned, such as an
elevated scaffolding for cleaning the exterior of a building, the
cleaning tool housing could be mounted to an edge of the
scaffolding--preferably an edge closest to the surface of the
window.
[0181] Regarding the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 18-31, an
appropriate control system may be advantageously provided to open
and close the covers 170, move the spray bar 154 to its first,
second and storage positions at the appropriate time and location,
start and stop rotation of the brush 152 at the appropriate time
and location, start and stop the flow of washer fluid to and
through the first spray nozzles 160a, start and stop the flow of
air to and through the second spray nozzles 160b, start, stop and
reverse the movement of the top and bottom carriers 132, 134 (and
connected brush, spray bar and wiper blade).
[0182] Regarding the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 32-39,
appropriate control systems may be advantageously provided to open
and close housing cover 176, move first and second cleaning tool
arms 178a and 178b between the disengaged position and the engaged
position, move first and second cleaning tool arms 178a and 178b
across the surface of windshield 122, move the brushes of first and
second cleaning tool arms 178a and 178b away and towards the
surface of windshield 122, start and stop rotation of the brushes
of first and second cleaning tool arms 178a and 178b, start and
stop the flow of washer fluid to the spray bars of first and second
cleaning tool arms 178a and 178b, start and stop the flow of air to
the spray bars of first and second cleaning tool arms 178a and
178b, and transition the spray bars of first and second cleaning
tool arms 178a and 178b between the spraying position and the
wiping position, all at the appropriate times and locations.
[0183] In embodiments where spray bar 156 is configured to spray
both deicing material and cleaning fluid onto windshield 122, the
control system may be configured to have a user interface that
allows a user to select either a deicing wash or a non-deicing
wash, where the only difference between the two washes is whether
deicing material is first sprayed on the windshield before cleaning
fluid is sprayed onto the windshield. In embodiments where deicing
material is first sprayed, the control system could be configured
to spray deicing material across the windshield while the arm moves
across the windshield, and then spray cleaning fluid across the
windshield over the deicing material, or could be configured to
first spray deicing material across the windshield use the wiper
blade across the windshield, and then spray cleaning fluid across
the windshield.
[0184] The frame 140 is preferably sized to close surround and
enclose the periphery of windshield, and preferably the outer,
front surface of the frame is flat against or flush with the
adjacent surface of the vehicle to which the frame 140 is
connected. The frame 140 advantageously extends into the front
portion of the vehicle and thus may require some alteration of the
vehicle if the frame 140 is retrofit to preexisting vehicles. As
the frame 140 encircles the windshield 140, it may be advantageous
for the frame 140 to have inwardly extending flanges to which the
windshield 122 is connected so that the windshield may be mounted
to or connected to the frame 140. The frame 140 is believed
optional, especially the top and bottom frames 144, 146 which could
primarily enclose the rails on which the top and bottom carriers
134, 136 travel and which guide those carriers.
[0185] With reference next to FIGS. 41-46, in another embodiment, a
window cleaning system 200 can be stored hidden within a front face
202 of the vehicle 30 when not in use, and selectively deployed to
clean the windshield 122 of the vehicle 30. With specific reference
to FIGS. 41 and 42, the windshield 122 of the vehicle 30 has a top
portion 124, bottom portion 116 first side portion 128, and second
side portion 130. A front face 202 of the vehicle 30 in the
illustrated embodiment is substantially vertical and disposed
generally below the windshield 122. A cover 204 preferably is
arranged to lie substantially flush with the front face 202 and
provides selective access through a cavity 205 to a storage space
206 behind the front face 202. The cover 204 can be configured to
hingedly open as shown in FIG. 42 so as to reveal the window
cleaning system 200. As shown, window cleaning system 200 is
retained within the storage space 206 close behind the front face
202. Preferably, a cover actuator 208, such as a motor, is
configured to selectively rotate the cover 204 about its hinge to
the open position shown in FIG. 42.
[0186] With additional reference to FIG. 43, the window cleaning
system 200 includes a cleaning head 210 supported by an active
positioning system 212 that is configured to position the cleaning
head 210 at substantially any position on the windshield 122. The
illustrated active positioning system 212 includes an elongated
track 214 that supports a base mount 218 thereon. The base mount
218 preferably comprises an actuator such as a motor that is
configured to move the base mount 218 linearly along the length of
the track 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the track 214 is
mounted at either end onto structural members 216 of the vehicle
30.
[0187] With continued reference specifically to FIGS. 42 and 43, a
base extension member 220 extends from the base mount 218 and
terminates at a base joint 222. As illustrated, the base extension
member 220 further comprises a base telescoping member 224 and a
base receiver member 226. As such, a length of the base extension
member 220 can be readily adjusted so as to position the base joint
222 forwardly of the front face 202 as the cleaning system 200 as
it is being deployed. Expansion and contraction of the base
extension member 220 can be effectuated by an actuator such as a
motor and/or piston/cylinder structure, or any other actuator
structure. It is to be understood that various structures can be
employed for the base extension member 220. For example rather than
the illustrated telescopic arrangement, the base extension member
220 can be configured to be moved relative to the base mount 218 so
as to move the base joint 222 linearly between the deployed
position shown in FIG. 43 and the storage position shown in FIG.
42.
[0188] The base joint 222 can be rotated relative to the base mount
218. An elongated first extension member 230 extends from the base
joint 222 to an articulating joint 232. An elongated second
extension member 234 extends from the articulating joint 232 to a
head joint 240 that is connected to the cleaning head 210. The
illustrated second extension member 234 comprises a telescoping
member 236 that is received within a receiving member 238 so that
the length of the second extension member 234 can be selectively
modified.
[0189] Preferably, the articulating joint 232 is configured so that
the second extension member 234 can be rotated relative to the
first extension member 236. A plurality of actuators, such as
motors, can be provided to selectively actuate the base mount 218,
base extension member 220, base joint 222, first extension member
230, articulating joint 232, second extension member 234, and head
joint 240. Preferably, a controller 242, which is shown
schematically in FIG. 43, can be connected to the active
positioning system 212 via a power/data line 244 so as to provide
power and control instructions so that the plurality of actuators
work together to place the cleaning head 210 in a desired position
and move it according to a desired pattern. The controller 242 can
be independent of or work in concert with the vehicle's computer
24. In some variations, the controller 242 can be incorporated into
the vehicle's computer 24. Also, it is to be understood that, in
other variations, data can be communicated within the system by
wired or wireless connections, including hybrids of same.
[0190] With continued reference to FIG. 43, a cleaning fluid source
246 can supply cleaning fluid to a cleaning fluid line 248 that can
extend through hollow portions of the first extension member 230
and second extension number 234 to deliver cleaning fluid to the
cleaning head 210. Similarly, an air compressor 250 can supply
compressed air to an air line 252, which can extend through hollow
portions of the first extension member 230 and second extension
member 234 to deliver compressed air to the cleaning head 210. As
will be discussed in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 45
and 46, the cleaning head 210 can comprise a brush side 254 having
a plurality of bristles 256 and a drying side 258 having a wiper
blade 260.
[0191] With specific reference to FIGS. 43 and 44, in operation,
once the active positioning system 212 has been deployed, the
components of the active positioning system 212 will move in
concert to place the brush side 254 of the cleaning head 210 into
contact with the windshield 122. Most preferably, cleaning of the
windshield 122 is conducted in an organized manner. For example, as
shown in FIG. 43, the cleaning head 210 may first be placed in a
corner of the windshield 122 where the bottom side 126 and second
side 130 intersect. With the bristles 256 pressed against and
making constant contact with the windshield 122, cleaning fluid can
be injected and the bristles 256 moved over the windshield 122
along a path 262 from the bottom side 126 of the windshield 122
vertically to the top side 124 of the windshield 122. This pattern
can be repeated, creating multiple adjacent, parallel paths 262 in
which the cleaning head 210 may be moved up and down while
scrubbing the windshield 122, loosening and removing debris from
the windshield. This pattern can be repeated so that the entire
windshield is scrubbed, possibly leaving behind layers of cleaning
fluid that have been foamed into soap suds 264.
[0192] In the illustrated embodiment, the first extension member
230 is configured to be at least slightly rotatable about its axis
so as to have the effect of pushing the cleaning head 210 against
the windshield 122 with a desired level of force. A sensor can be
provided to measure the resistance force provided by the windshield
122 and provide feedback to the controller 242 so that a desired
pressing force can be maintained throughout the cleaning
process.
[0193] With specific reference next to FIG. 44, once the entire
windshield 122 has been cleaned using the brush side 254, the head
joint 240 can rotate, positioning the drying side 258 of the
cleaning had 210 facing the windshield 122. The cleaning head 210
can also be rotated so that the wiper 260 is positioned generally
horizontally, or at least generally perpendicular to the path 262.
The active positioning system 212 can then be controlled to slide
the wiper 260 across the windshield 122 along paths 262 so as to
remove cleaning fluid/suds 264 and loosened debris from the
windshield 122.
[0194] Once the windshield 122 has been sufficiently cleaned and
dried, the active positioning system 212 can operate to return the
window cleaning system 200 to its storage position as depicted in
FIG. 42, and the cover 204 can be closed to completely hide the
system 200 as depicted in FIG. 41.
[0195] With reference next to FIG. 45, the brush side 254 of the
cleaning head 210 can be configured with several bristles 256, or
another structure configured to agitate and remove undesired
material from the windshield. A plurality of spray nozzles 266 can
be configured to receive cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid
tube 248. A rotating and/or vibrating motor 268 can be configured
to rotate and/or vibrate the brush side 254, or in some variations
the entire cleaning head 210, so that the bristles 256 will agitate
window debris so as to loosen and remove such debris from the
windshield 122. It is to be understood that any appropriate
configuration of bristles and spray nozzles can be employed.
[0196] With reference next to FIG. 46, the drying side 258 of the
cleaning head 210 comprises the wiper blade 260 and can comprise a
plurality of air nozzles 270. The air nozzles 270 can be configured
to direct flows of compressed air onto the windshield 122 to aid
drying of the windshield. Most preferably, the air nozzles 270 are
arranged on one side of the wiper blade 260 and during operation
the cleaning head 210 is rotated so that the air nozzles direct
compressed air onto the windshield 122 immediately after the wiper
blade 260 has wiped cleaning fluid from the windshield. As such,
cleaning fluid that may remain on the windshield after passage of
the wiper blade 260 is subject to the flow of compressed air, which
helps dry the windshield 122.
[0197] A location sensor 272 can be incorporated into the cleaning
head 210. The location sensor 272 can be configured to detect the
position of the cleaning head 210 relative to the windshield 122.
Preferably, the controller 242 is configured with knowledge of the
shape and dimensions of the associated windshield 122. As such, the
controller 242 can selectively control the plurality of actuators
associated with the active positioning system 212 to place and move
the cleaning head 210 appropriately. Data from the location sensor
272 can be provided to the controller 242 to establish that the
actual location of the cleaning head 210 is as expected by the
controller 242. Thus, data from the location center sensor 272 can
be used by the controller 242 to calibrate the positioning system
212. The location sensor 272 can be configured in any of a
plurality of ways. For example, in some variations the location
sensor 272 can sense a distance from a ferrous material and thus
sense how close the cleaning had 210 is to metallic portions of the
car adjacent edges of the windshield. In another variation, a
location sensor 272 can include an RFID reader, and a plurality of
RFID chips can be placed about edges of the windshield or adjacent
edges of windshield. Using data indicating the relative position of
the cleaning head 210 relative to the RFID chips, the controller
242 can determine the actual location of the cleaning head 210
relative to the windshield 122.
[0198] It is to be understood that a plurality of actuators, such
as motors and/or piston/cylinder combinations, can be provided in
connection with the various joints, telescoping members, rotating
or vibrating members, or the like. Such actuators can be configured
in any desirable manner and can be arranged using various
structural approaches known in the art. Also, although specific
embodiments discussed herein employ electric-powered actuators, it
is to be understood that some variations can employ one or more
actuators that are powered and controlled using other approaches,
such as using hydraulic fluid, pressurized gas, or the like.
[0199] With reference next to FIGS. 47-50, in a variation, a
self-contained windshield cleaning system 300 can comprise a
container 302 configured to define an enclosed space 306 within
which an active positioning system 212 and cleaning head 310 can be
enclosed when in a stored position. The illustrated self-contained
window cleaning system 300 can be installed by attaching the
container 302 to vehicle 30 below the windshield 122 or another
window. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 302 can be
mounted onto the front panel 202 of the vehicle 30 just below the
windshield 122. In some variations, the front panel 202 can be cut
to create a cavity into which the container 302 can be fully or
partially fit and secured.
[0200] As shown, the track 214 is mounted at either end to the
sidewalls of the container 302, and a front wall of the container
302 includes a cover 304 that preferably is hinged and can be
selectively opened to provide access for the cleaning head 310 and
positioning system 212 be deployed. The active positioning system
212 can include a base mount 218, base extension member 228, base
joint 222, first extension member 230, articulating joint 232
second extension member 234, and head joint 240 that can be moved
in concert in a manner as discussed above in order to position the
cleaning head 310 as desired. Although not specifically shown, it
is anticipated that power/data wires and tubes can be provided to
provide power and control instructions for actuators of the system
300 and to provide cleaning fluid and pressurized air to the
cleaning head 310.
[0201] With specific reference next to FIGS. 49 and 50, the
cleaning head 310 can have similarities to embodiments discussed
above, and can include a brush 312 that can be configured to rotate
in order to agitate debris on the windshield 122. A spray bar 316
can extend over the length of the brush 312 and can include a
plurality of spray nozzles 318 that are connected to cleaning fluid
lines 248 and configured to spray cleaning fluid on the windshield
122 and/or directly on the brush 312. The wiper blade 320 can
extend from the spray bar 316, and one or more air nozzles 322 can
be placed in communication with the air line 252 and configured to
selectively dispense pressurized air onto the windshield 122. Once
the windshield 122 is treated with cleaning fluid and agitation by
the brush 312, the cleaning head 310 can be rotated to put a tip of
the wiper blade 320 into contact with the window windshield 122 and
the cleaning head 310 can be moved while simultaneously actuating
the air nozzles 322 to wipe and dry the windshield 122.
[0202] With reference next to FIGS. 51 and 52, in another
embodiment, a windshield washing system 330 can be provided under
the hood 38 of a vehicle 30. A cover 334 disposed in the hood 38
may hide the washing system 330 from view, and preferably is
hingedly openable in order to allow the washing system 330 to
deploy. In the illustrated variation, the cover 334 extends
forwardly from the windshield side of the hood 38 and is centered
within the width of the hood 38, only extending over a part of the
hood width. As shown, the cover 334 has a width about half of a
width of the hood 38. It is to be understood that additional
variations may employ covers 334 that extend only part of the width
of the hood 38, but may have widths greater than or less than half
of the width of the hood 38. Also, the illustrated cover 334
comprises a plurality of louvres 336 that are configured to
hingedly rotate to open the cover 334. The cover 334 is hinged
along its forward-most edge, and can open sufficiently to enable
the washing system 330 to be deployed while opening about
75.degree. or less, and in some variations about 60.degree. or
less, and in further variations about 45.degree. or less.
[0203] As best shown in FIG. 52, the illustrated window washing
system 330 comprises a cleaning head 310 supported by an active
positioning system 332 configured to position the cleaning head 310
substantially anywhere on the windshield 122. The illustrated
active positioning system 332 shares some features with the active
positioning system 212 discussed above. As shown, the base mount
218 is supported so as to be linearly movable along track 214. The
track 214 can be supported at either end by structural members 338
that are incorporated into the hood 38 or within the vehicle's
front compartment. A first extension member 230 extends to an
articulating joint 232, and a second extension member 234 extends
from the articulating joint 232 to a head joint 240, upon which the
cleaning head 310 is supported. The first extension member 230 can
include a telescoping portion 340 and a receiver portion 342 so
that the length of the first extension member 230 can be varied as
needed. The cleaning head 310 can be similar to that discussed
above. In the illustrated embodiment, the active positioning system
332 is configured to move the cleaning head 310 transversely across
the windshield along a generally horizontal path 344 to both clean
the windshield and, on a later pass, wipe and dry the windshield
122.
[0204] As discussed above in connection with FIGS. 7-12, variations
are contemplated in which a particular portion of the windshield
may be cleaned, such as to clean residue 68 from an insect impact
or other debris that may be concentrated in a localized portion of
the windshield. To wit, a user may wish to concentrate scrubbing
and cleaning on only a relatively-small portion of the windshield.
With specific reference next to FIGS. 53 and 54, a digital display
26 can be provided within a cabin 28 of the car, disposed in the
dashboard 40. A camera 350 can be provided, such as on the
dashboard 40 or on the ceiling of the cabin 28, can be and
configured to capture a real-time or near-real-time image of the
windshield 122. Such windshield image 122a can be depicted on the
display. Since the windshield image 122a is a real-time or
near-real-time depiction of the actual windshield 122, debris such
as insect residue 68 will be depicted as a residue image 68a.
Preferably, the image captured by the camera 350 is processed by
the vehicle's computer 24 and/or a cleaning system controller (such
as 242) so that the windshield image 122a is mapped to the display
26.
[0205] With continued reference to FIGS. 53 and 54, in operation, a
user can use their finger 42 to touch the residue image 68a on the
display 26. The display 26 preferably is a touch-screen display
configured to identify the location on the display 26 that has been
touched by the user's finger 42. Since the display 26 is mapped to
the windshield image 122a, the location of the windshield image
122a touched by the user's finger 42 on the display is mapped to
the actual position on the actual windshield 122. In the
illustrated example, the user's finger touches the display 26 at
the location of the residue image 68a, which location is
highlighted 352 to indicate that it has been selected. A processor,
such as computer 24, will communicate this selection, and the
corresponding selected location upon the actual windshield 122, to
the controller 242.
[0206] With reference next to FIG. 55, the controller 242 and then
deploy the windshield washing system 330 to the selected location
on the windshield, which will correspond to the location of the
residue 68 is highlighted by the user on the display 26. Most
preferably, the controller 242 will define a cleaning zone 354
about the selected location. The cleaning zone 354 can be selected
to range a short distance, such as between about 1-9 inches, around
the selected location. Most preferably the cleaning zone 354
considers cleaning paths 344, such as the horizontal cleaning paths
employed by the illustrated windshield washing system 330. For
example, the illustrated windshield washing system 330 typically
follows a horizontal cleaning path 334 during operation. In
additional variations, during such spot-clean operations, the
windshield washing system 330 can be configured to make multiple
cleaning pashes with the cleaning head 310 over the cleaning zone
354, including continuous operation of the brush 312 in
back-and-forth passes, one or more of which can include horizontal
variation of the path (i.e., a generally diagonal path).
[0207] Once the selected location has been cleaned so as to loosen
and remove the residue 68, the wiper blade 320, and possibly air
nozzles 322 of the cleaning head 310 can be employed to dry the
cleaning zone 354. Preferably, a drying zone 356 is defined that is
somewhat larger than the cleaning zone 354. The windshield washing
system 330 is operated to dry the windshield 122 over the entire
drying zone 356 so as to also dry fluid overspray and/or streaks.
In some embodiments, the drying zone 356 can be defined to extend
all the way to the bottom side 126 of the windshield 122 to ensure
drips and streaks are removed.
[0208] With reference next to FIGS. 56-58, another variation of a
windshield washing system 360 can be provided under the hood 38 of
the vehicle 30. A cover 364 disposed in the hood may hide the
washing system 360 from you within a storage space 363, and
preferably is hingedly openable in order to allow the washing
system 362 to be deployed. In the illustrated variation, the cover
364 extends forwardly from the windshield side of the hood 38
generally along the entire width, or substantially the entire
width, of the vehicle 34 or hood 38. The illustrated cover 364 is a
unitary piece that is hinged along its forward-most edge and can
open sufficiently to enable the washing system 360 to be
deployed.
[0209] The illustrated windshield washing system 360 comprises a
cleaning head 310 supported by an active positioning system 362
configured to position the cleaning head 310 substantially anywhere
on the windshield 122. The illustrated active positioning system
332 comprises a base mount 218 supported so as to be linearly
movable along track 214. The track 214 preferably extends along
substantially the entire width of the vehicle and can be supported
at either end by structural members 216 of the vehicle 30.
[0210] With specific reference to FIG. 57, a telescoping extension
member 366 is mounted to the base mount 218 at or adjacent its
proximal end and supports a cleaning head 310 at or adjacent its
distal end. The telescoping extension member 366 serves as a
telescoping arm to position the head mount 367 along a height of
the windshield. A head mount 367 is telescoping via the telescoping
arm or telescoping extension member 366. The head mount 367 may
extend from the distal end of the extension extension member 366
and split into two branches so as to hold the cleaning head 310 on
opposing ends. Preferably the head mount 367 can be rotated or
pivoted about an axis of the extension member 366 to move between
use of the brush 312 and wiper blade 320. The extension member 366
translates linearly with the base mount 218 so that the cleaning
head 310 can be placed into contact with substantially the entire
width of the windshield 122. The illustrated extension member 366
comprises a first telescoping member 368 that is received within a
second telescoping member 370, which is correspondingly received
into a receiver member 372 that is attached to the base mount 218.
As such, a length of the extension member 366 can be extended so
that the cleaning head 310 can be placed into contact with and
substantially the entire height, front to back, of the windshield
122.
[0211] With specific reference to FIG. 58, to store the windshield
washing system 360, it must be enclosed in the storage space 363
enclosed by the cover 364. In the illustrated variation, in order
to fit within the storage space 363, the extension member 366 is
fully retracted so that the first telescoping member 368 is
retracted into the telescoping member 370, and the first and second
telescoping members 368, 370 are fully drawn into the receiver
member 372. The receiver member 372 can further be moved proximally
relative to the base mount 218 so that the entire windshield
washing system 360, including be cleaning head 310, are drawn or
traversed into the storage space 363. The cover 364 can then be
closed, and the windshield washing system 360 is maintained out of
sight. In additional variations, in order to place the system 360
in a storage position, the base mount 218 can rotate the extension
member 366 so that it extends generally parallel to the track
214.
[0212] With reference next to FIGS. 59-62, another embodiment of a
windshield washing system 380 can be stored within a storage space
363 enclosed by a cover 364 disposed in the vehicle hood 38. The
illustrated windshield washing system 380 comprises a telescoping
extension member 382 made up of a telescoping member 384 that is
received within a receiver member 386 so as to selectively increase
(i.e., extend) and decrease (i.e., reduce) an effective length of
the telescoping extension member 382. A cleaning head 390 is
attached to a distal end of the telescoping extension member 382. A
proximal end of the extension member 382, which is a proximal end,
or base end, of the receiver member 386 is rotationally mounted on
a rotating mount 388. In this configuration, actuators of the
telescoping extension member 382, rotating mount 388 and cleaning
head 390 can be operated so as to perform cleaning and drying
operations upon the windshield, preferably using horizontal
cleaning paths 344.
[0213] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning head 390 is
rotatably (i.e., pivotably) attached to the extension member 382 at
a pivotable brush attachment 391 positioned generally centrally
along the length of a brush portion 392. During each horizontal
draw of the cleaning head 390 across the windshield 122 during
operation of a cleaning cycle, the telescoping member 384 is
withdrawn into the receiver member 386 a maximum extent as the
brush 392 is brought past the rotational mount 388 so that the
extension member 382 is perpendicular to the horizontal path 344.
As shown, a length of the receiver member 386 is selected so that
its distal end terminates less than half of the width of the brush
portion 392 from the bottom-most part of the windshield 122 that is
cleaned.
[0214] In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 61, the telescoping
member 384 is longer than the receiver member 386, and a proximal
end of the telescoping member 384 extends proximally from a
proximal end of the receiver member 386 at times during cleaning
cycle. In additional embodiments, the receiver member 386 can be
longer so that the proximal end of the telescoping member 384 never
exits the receiver member 386, and the receiver member thus is
rotatably mounted to the rotating mount 388 at a point along the
length of the receiver member spaced from both its proximal and
distal ends. In still further embodiments, the extension member 382
can employ two or more shorter telescoping members that don't
extend out of the proximal end of the receiver member 386, and the
receiver member 386 is still mounted to the rotating mount 388 at
or adjacent its proximal end.
[0215] With specific reference to FIG. 62, the brush 392 of the
cleaning head 390 can comprise opposing brush parts 394, 396
disposed on either side of an attachment space 396 aligned with the
brush attachment 391 so that the brush parts 394, 396 can rotate
without interfering with the brush attachment 391. The cleaning
head 390 can also include a spray bar 316 having a wiper 320 and
air nozzles 322. In additional variations, the cleaning head can be
configured differently, such as similar to cleaning head 310 as
described above, and/or instead of the brush attachment 391
splitting the brush 392, the cleaning head can be attached to the
extension member 382 via a structure similar to the head mount 367
discussed above in connection with FIGS. 56-58. In still further
variations, the cleaning head can be attached to the extension
member 382 at a joint 240 adjacent one end of the cleaning head 390
and configured similar to the cleaning head 310 discussed
above.
[0216] It is to be understood that this and the other variations
and embodiments described herein can be controlled and used in
connection with a spot cleaning system having similarities to that
discussed above in connection with FIGS. 53 and 54. Also,
variations and embodiments described herein can be expected to
incorporate variations of structures from one another, such as any
of the cleaning heads as described herein as well as various
configurations of active positioning systems. Further, brush
members as disclosed herein can be motorized to rotate, vibrate, or
any other desired motion to provide agitation to loosen debris.
[0217] The disclosed cleaning devices may be actuated by placing
the various motors, pumps, and air compressors in electrical
communication with an activation switch on the motor vehicle,
preferably inside the vehicle's passenger compartment and readily
accessible by the vehicle's driver. Placement of the activation
switch on the vehicle's dashboard is believed suitable. By way of
example and not limitation, the activation switch may be an
original equipment manufacturer's touch screen mounted to the
vehicle such as a dashboard mounted touch screen. The activation
switch may be an icon on the touch screen preset to perform one or
more back and forth cleaning passes of the cleaning device when the
icon is touched, or may be adjustable to specify more than one
reciprocal, back and forth pass of the cleaning device. The icon
may be representative of a windshield washer (e.g., pictorially or
textually). The activation switch may be preset to allow from one
to four cleaning passes. As used herein, one full cleaning pass
advantageously includes one reciprocal pass back and forth across a
section of the windshield. By placing appropriate sensors along any
portions of the disclosed tracks, frames, windshield, or housings,
cleaning tools may travel less than completely across the
windshield 22 and may thus perform a partial cleaning pass over a
preselected partial portion of the windshield. Such partial
cleaning passes preferably include the side portion of the
windshield 22 in which the cleaning tool is stored when not in use,
with the cleaning device reversing direction before completing a
washing passage. A touch screen with variable number inputs or a
rotary switch with various cycles hardwired to the switch, are
believed suitable to vary the number of whole or partial
passes.
[0218] The activation switch may be in electrical communication
with a computer or electronic circuit that controls the cleaning
device.
[0219] In lieu of the dashboard mounted touch screen, it is also
contemplated that the activation switch may be an application
placed in a computer storage of a smartphone or other portable,
handheld device. The smartphone may be disposed on a designated
area on the dashboard of the vehicle. When it is placed on the
designated area, the application may be launched either through
recognition of a Bluetooth connection or some other mechanical or
electronic sensor. The software application when launched may be
used to cause the cell phone or device to emit a signal to the
vehicle's computer or electronic circuit that controls the cleaning
device. The vehicle's computer or electronic circuit that controls
the cleaning device may detect the signal and operate or activate
the cleaning device. The communication link between the smartphone
and the vehicle computer or electronic circuit may be by Bluetooth,
WiFi, optical or signal currently known in the art or developed in
the future. The designated area for the smartphone may be a
receptacle in the dashboard of the vehicle to make the smartphone's
touch screen easily visible to the driver and easy to touch by the
driver.
[0220] Alternatively, when smartphone is not in the cabin of the
vehicle. The smartphone can establish a communication link with the
vehicle's computer or electronic circuit which controls the window
cleaner. By way of example and not limitation, the application on
the smartphone can be launched. When it is launched, it can search
for a communication link with the paired vehicle's communication
device. The vehicle's communication device can be always on so that
it will establish communication with the smartphone when the
application on the smartphone is launched or active. In this
regard, when the user is outside of the vehicle, the user can
operate the windshield/window cleaner to clean the windshield. The
distance may be limited by the communication link (e.g.,
Bluetooth). Advantageously, the vehicle's computer, processor, etc.
and the vehicle's receiver and/or sensor are in electrical
communication with a battery of the motor vehicle so that the
cleaning system may be actuated even when the vehicle engine is not
running.
[0221] While described for use with a bus or RV, the method and
apparatus may be used with other windshields and other surfaces.
Disclosed cleaning devices may replace the normal windshield wipers
on the motor vehicles, or may be used in addition to the vehicle's
standard windshield wipers, although not at the same time as the
cleaning device would hit the standard windshield wipers.
[0222] In the original equipment manufacturer's touch screen
mounted to the vehicle and the smartphone application embodiments
discussed above, the touch screen and the smart phone may also be
control other aspects of the windshield cleaner 120. By way of
example and not limitation, touch screen and the smartphone
application can be programmed and linked to the vehicle so as to
heat the water with the heater either through a dedicated heater
which is a part of the windshield cleaner or a heat exchanger which
works with the engine to provide heat for the water. In this
regard, the user can use the smartphone and its corresponding
application to control the windshield cleaner (e.g., turn on
engine, turn on windshield cleaner only, etc.) to provide heated
mixture of water and soap to the windshield for the purpose of
defrosting the windshield without having to enter the vehicle. The
user can operate the windshield cleaner from inside the comfort of
a building where a communication link that can be established
between the smartphone and the vehicle computer.
[0223] The various aspects of the smartphone discussed herein which
controls the windshield cleaning system may be employed in any of
the aspects describe herein. By way of example and not limitation,
a software application may be downloaded on the smartphone. The
software application may communication with the onboard computer or
another ancillary computer on the automobile which controls the
windshield cleaning system or a different function of the
automobile. Moreover, the various aspects of the windshield
cleaning system discussed herein may be controlled by voice
activation. The voice activation may be through the smartphone
which as discussed herein controls the windshield cleaning system.
Alternatively or additionally, the voice activation may be through
the automobile's onboard computer. For example, the smartphone or
automobile may have a microphone which receives speech commands of
the user. The smartphone or the onboard computer of the automobile
may receive the speech commands and operate all aspects discussed
herein.
[0224] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the
invention disclosed herein, including various ways of attaching the
bristles 62 to a base of the cleaning head and various ways of
attaching wiper blade 156 to spray bar 156. Given the above
disclosure, one skilled in the art could also devise variations on
the disclosed ways to configure the tracks 136, 138 to engage the
carriers 132, 134 and to move the carriers 132, 134 along their
respective tracks 136, 138, and various ways to configure and
rotate the spray bar 156. Further, the various features of the
embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying
combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to
the specific combination described herein.
* * * * *